Death in prison custody inquests video resources

In these sessions Legal Director Elizabeth Wallace unpacks the full proceedings of an inquest following a death in prison custody. From detailing the state’s responsibility and accountability for the welfare of detainees, to how and by whom the investigative report is carried out. Each video focuses on a specific stage of the inquest responding to frequently asked questions and common themes. 

Why is there an inquest following a death in prison custody?

Here Elizabeth Wallace summarises how the coroner must investigate all deaths in ‘custody or otherwise in state detention,’ as the state is responsible for the welfare, health and safety of detainees. Further detailing their accountability not only for those deaths, but their potential additional risk to other extremely vulnerable detainees. 

What is the PPO?

In this short video we explain what the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is, how their report is carried out and its significance in preventing other similar deaths from occurring. 

How to prepare for a death in prison custody inquest?

In this session, we provide clear and expert guidance on how best to prepare for a death in custody inquest, from witnesses and giving evidence, to PPOs and minimising risk of a Prevention of Future Deaths Report.

Does the Coroner require a jury for a death in prison custody inquest?

Elizabeth Wallace explains the proceedings following a death in prison custody, when the death is considered to be violent, unnatural or unknown and why therefore a jury is empanelled rather than the coroner to complete the Record of Inquest. 

Article 2

This video highlights how Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights or ‘the right of life,’ is often engaged during death in police custody in order to investigate possible negligence, questioning ‘how and in what circumstances the deceased came by their death’.

Common lesson learning themes observed in death in prison custody inquests

Elizabeth Wallace explores common themes across death in prison custody inquests, and their correlation to substantial risk of the coroner making a Prevention of Future Deaths or Regulation 28 report.