An inquest is a fact-finding process. Some inquests require a greater exploration of the circumstances that led to someone’s death. These are often referred to as ‘article two inquests’. Criminal and civil blame cannot be attributed to anyone, however, coroners can put a ‘rider of neglect’ on a conclusion and issue a prevention of future deaths report.

In order to ensure that criminal and civil blame cannot be attributed to anyone, a question cannot be asked of a witness that may lead to them incriminating themselves if they were to answer the question.