Parliamentary Search

Proceeding contribution from Lord Alderdice (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 21 October 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Coroners and Justice Bill.

Coroners and Justice Bill

My Lords, the emphasis is on the word "determine" whereas the problem in the clause is the word "appear". The question is not whether the coroner would make a determination of this kind. The problem is that the clause states that he should not appear to make such a determination. Appearance, like beauty, can be in the eye of the beholder, and it can push back considerably how far a coroner may be tempted to go. He is likely to drive far away from the edge of the cliff rather than near to it. If the clause stated "to determine", we would not be having this debate. The issue at heart is that it states "appear to determine".

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
713 c752-3 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Armed forces Death Costs Departmental responsibilities Administrative delays Coroners Custodial treatment Finance Families Juries Electronic surveillance Evidence Liability Health professions Local government Medical examinations National security Public appointments Prisons Relatives Post-mortems Psychiatric hospitals Scotland Registration Standards Training Human remains HM Courts Service
Legislation
Coroners and Justice Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk