Legal representation

R (on the application of Humberstone) v LSC and HM Coroner for South Yorkshire [2010] EWHC 760 (Admin); SJ 20 April p2

Legal aid is not generally available for inquests although the Lord Chancellor may authorise exceptional public funding, dependent upon a positive recommendation from the Legal Services Commission, which was not forthcoming in the present case. The mother of a boy who died from asthma at the age of 10 was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but no charges were brought. She sought legal aid so she could be represented at the inquest. She suffered from a long-standing depressive illness, made worse by the death of her son.