Inquests

Chris Richards has an established practice in inquests and welcomes instructions from institutions and families.

He has recently represented government agencies in a number of high-profile inquests. Chris has also recently acted for a family following a death of an elderly man in hospital, with extensive input in the following civil claim.

Chris has taken part in several inquests where the scope of the inquest has been widened by a finding that Article 2 of the ECHR has been engaged. Chris has also acted in inquests where a jury has been empaneled. Chris has also taken part in a number of pre-inquest reviews.

He recently produced submissions in response to a highly unusual request by a family for a Coroner to find that Article 3 of the ECHR had been engaged (which deals with the prohibition against inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment).

Chris has an excellent understanding of the law underpinning inquests, including the Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013, the Chief Coroner’s Guidance, and case law.