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Inquests and Disputed Killings in Northern Ireland (1)

01 January 1991

Inquests and Disputed Killings in Northern Ireland
artdoc April=1992

Committee on the Administration of Justice, Pamphlet no 18,
Belfast, 1992, IR4.00/Ã3.50 stg. This pamphlet shows that out of
the 75 deaths caused by RUC members and soldiers since November
1982, inquests are still pending in 45 cases. It pinpoints how
Northern Ireland's inquest system has been weakened since changes
enacted in 1926 and subsequently, and argues that inquests are
no longer viable courts of inquiry where disputed deaths are
concerned. Using principles contained in the UN's Basic
Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement
Officials, the pamphlet calls for a number of reforms designed
to ensure that inquests are held promptly, that the interests of
relatives are properly represented and that coroners are
empowered to compel witnesses to testify before a jury. Finally,
it calls on the British government to establish a committee to
review the functioning of inquests.

Statewatch Vol 2 No 2 March/April 1992