Report comment

Inquests are also inquisitorial. Interested parties and their representatives are allowed to question witnesses.

It is not cross-examination, and most coroners will restrict the questions if they are of the view that it is not relevant to their inquiry, or that the questions are being asked in an inappropriate manner.

There may be valid reasons for denying direct questioning in this particular inquiry, but in my view wrong it is wrong to state that families or their representatives should not be allowed to ask questions simply because it is an inquisitorial hearing.