The medically-qualified practitioner who carries out a post–mortem examination.The medically-qualified practitioner who carries out a post–mortem examination.The place where a body is taken after its removal from the place of death.The place where a body is taken after its removal from the place of death.(also post-mortem(also postmortem) A medical examination to determine the cause of death, also called an autopsy.) A medical examination to determine the cause of death, also called an autopsy.(also post-mortem(also postmortem) A medical examination to determine the cause of death, also called an autopsy.) A medical examination to determine the cause of death, also called an autopsy.Young Offender Institution - prison for people aged 21 and underYoung Offender Institution - prison for people aged 21 and underA legal term (Latin for "under judgment") which means that a case is currently at trial or being considered by a judge or court, and so cannot be discussed in public.A legal term (Latin for "under judgment") which means that a case is currently at trial or being considered by a judge or court, and so cannot be discussed in public.Secure Training CentreSecure Training CentreA prosecution for a crime which arises for example from the circumstances of a death.A prosecution for a crime which arises for example from the circumstances of a death.The person who works for the coronerThe legal official who orders a post-mortem and who is in charge of the inquest procedure. and is responsible for making arrangements for the inquest.The person who works for the coronerThe legal official who orders a post-mortem and who is in charge of the inquest procedure. and is responsible for making arrangements for the inquest.The chief legal officer of the United Kingdom. It is a government cabinet position.The chief legal officer of the United Kingdom. It is a government cabinet position.Legal cases which are not criminal trials, sometimes involving a claim for damagesA payment of money in recognition of certain kinds of suffering or injury, also called damages./compensationA payment of money in recognition of certain kinds of suffering or injury, also called damages..Legal cases which are not criminal trials, sometimes involving a claim for damagesA payment of money in recognition of certain kinds of suffering or injury, also called damages./compensationA payment of money in recognition of certain kinds of suffering or injury, also called damages..Legal cases which are not criminal trials, sometimes involving a claim for damages/compensation.Legal cases which are not criminal trials, sometimes involving a claim for damages/compensation.A term used to describe proceedings in the High Court (such as a judicial review) when they are heard by two or more judges.A term used to describe proceedings in the High Court (such as a judicial review) when they are heard by two or more judges.Usually called clinical negligenceClinical negligence is a legal term for a medical accident where a patient has not received care to a proper standard, and that substandard care has also caused the patient a physical injury. Sometimes also called medical negligence., a legal term for a medical accident where a patient has not received care to a proper standard, and that substandard care has also caused the patient a physical injury.Usually called clinical negligenceClinical negligence is a legal term for a medical accident where a patient has not received care to a proper standard, and that substandard care has also caused the patient a physical injury. Sometimes also called medical negligence., a legal term for a medical accident where a patient has not received care to a proper standard, and that substandard care has also caused the patient a physical injury.The part of the Public Funding scheme that allows a solicitor to give advice for the preparation of an inquest for no cost if the client is on income support.The part of the Public Funding scheme that allows a solicitor to give advice for the preparation of an inquest for no cost if the client is on income support.A form of verdict letting a jury give a longer explanation of what they think are the main or important issues.A form of verdict letting a jury give a longer explanation of what they think are the main or important issues.Since 1 October 2009 the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has taken over the judicial functions of the House of Lords. It is the court of last resort and highest court of appeal in the United Kingdom.Since 1 October 2009 the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has taken over the judicial functions of the House of Lords. It is the court of last resort and highest court of appeal in the United Kingdom.The government's in-house lawyers, who will act for the Prison Service in instructing barristers at inquests.The government's in-house lawyers, who will act for the Prison Service in instructing barristers at inquests.The highest civil court where cases may be heard for the first time. It also hears appeals and conducts judicial reviewA type of court proceeding in which a High Court judge or judges reviews the lawfulness of the way a decision was made or and action was taken by a public body or official such as a coroner.s, and supervises magistrates and crown courts.The highest civil court where cases may be heard for the first time. It also hears appeals and conducts judicial reviewA type of court proceeding in which a High Court judge or judges reviews the lawfulness of the way a decision was made or and action was taken by a public body or official such as a coroner.s, and supervises magistrates and crown courts.Public means-tested financial assistance for representation during legal proceedings. It is not available for representation at most inquests. The Lord ChancellorThe cabinet minister in the government responsible for the effective running of the legal system in England and Wales. can grant it in exceptional cases.Public means-tested financial assistance for representation during legal proceedings. It is not available for representation at most inquests. The Lord ChancellorThe cabinet minister in the government responsible for the effective running of the legal system in England and Wales. can grant it in exceptional cases.The standard of proof in a civil court cases and for inquest verdicts other than unlawful killing or suicide. In these cases, one outcome need only be more probable than all the others.The standard of proof in a civil court cases and for inquest verdicts other than unlawful killing or suicide. In these cases, one outcome need only be more probable than all the others.The standard of proof in a civil court cases and for inquest verdicts other than unlawful killing or suicide. In these cases, one outcome need only be more probable than all the others.The standard of proof in a civil court cases and for inquest verdicts other than unlawful killing or suicide. In these cases, one outcome need only be more probable than all the others.The standard of proof in a civil court cases and for inquest verdicts other than unlawful killing or suicide. In these cases, one outcome need only be more probable than all the others.The standard of proof in a civil court cases and for inquest verdicts other than unlawful killing or suicide. In these cases, one outcome need only be more probable than all the others.An inquest into a death involving the state or state agents is required to be, in many ways, more thorough and wide ranging than inquests that do not engage the duties required by article 2Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights says that the state must not take someone’s life, except in very limited circumstances. The effect of article 2 is that the state has a duty to protect life and to carry out an effective investigation into a death involving the state or state agents. An inquest is normally the way which this is carried outArticle 2Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights says that the state must not take someone’s life, except in very limited circumstances. The effect of article 2 is that the state has a duty to protect life and to carry out an effective investigation into a death involving the state or state agents. An inquest is normally the way which this is carried out of the European Convention on Human Rights says that the state must not take someone’s life, except in very limited circumstances. The effect of article 2 is that the state has a duty to protect life and to carry out an effective investigation into a death involving the state or state agents. An inquest is normally the way which this is carried out of the ECHRThe European Convention on Human Rights is an international treaty to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe, incorporated into UK law as the Human Rights Act 1998. All Council of Europe member states including the UK have signed the Convention..An inquest into a death involving the state or state agents is required to be, in many ways, more thorough and wide ranging than inquests that do not engage the duties required by article 2Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights says that the state must not take someone’s life, except in very limited circumstances. The effect of article 2 is that the state has a duty to protect life and to carry out an effective investigation into a death involving the state or state agents. An inquest is normally the way which this is carried out of the ECHRThe European Convention on Human Rights is an international treaty to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe, incorporated into UK law as the Human Rights Act 1998. All Council of Europe member states including the UK have signed the Convention..An inquest into a death involving the state or state agents is required to be, in many ways, more thorough and wide ranging than inquests that do not engage the duties required by article 2 of the ECHR.An inquest into a death involving the state or state agents is required to be, in many ways, more thorough and wide ranging than inquests that do not engage the duties required by article 2 of the ECHR.The standard of
proof in a civil court cases and for inquest
verdicts other than unlawful killing or
suicide. In these cases, one outcome need
only be more probable than all the others.The standard of
proof in a civil court cases and for inquest
verdicts other than unlawful killing or
suicide. In these cases, one outcome need
only be more probable than all the others.Those people defined in the Coroners Act 1988 as having a right to ask questions at the inquest. Family members such as parents, children, spouses, civil partners or partners of the person who has died automatically come within the definition and can ask questions at the inquest. Other relatives and those with close relationships may also be regarded as Properly Interested Persons.Those people defined in the Coroners Act 1988 as having a right to ask questions at the inquest. Family members such as parents, children, spouses, civil partners or partners of the person who has died automatically come within the definition and can ask questions at the inquest. Other relatives and those with close relationships may also be regarded as Properly Interested Persons.The organisation responsible for providing
Public Funds for legal work.The organisation responsible for providing
Public Funds for legal work.The highest standard of proof required in legal hearings and needed for returning inquest verdicts of unlawful killing or suicide.The highest standard of proof required in legal hearings and needed for returning inquest verdicts of unlawful killing or suicide.The highest
standard of proof required in legal hearings
and needed for returning inquest verdicts of unlawful killing or suicide.The highest
standard of proof required in legal hearings
and needed for returning inquest verdicts of unlawful killing or suicide.Formerly known as police surgeons, FMEFormerly known as police surgeons, Forensic Medical Examiners or police doctors examine and assess the medical needs of people detained in police custody.s or police doctors examine and assess the medical needs of people detained in police custody.Formerly known as police surgeons, FMEFormerly known as police surgeons, Forensic Medical Examiners or police doctors examine and assess the medical needs of people detained in police custody.s or police doctors examine and assess the medical needs of people detained in police custody.The DPP is a government-appointed legal officer who is the head of, and responsible for, the Crown Prosecution ServiceThe CPS is responsible for deciding whether or not there is enough police evidence to undertake a criminal prosecution for a general criminal offence (e.g. manslaughter) both before and in some cases after the inquest, and whether or not a prosecution is in the public interest..The DPP is a government-appointed legal officer who is the head of, and responsible for, the Crown Prosecution ServiceThe CPS is responsible for deciding whether or not there is enough police evidence to undertake a criminal prosecution for a general criminal offence (e.g. manslaughter) both before and in some cases after the inquest, and whether or not a prosecution is in the public interest..The ECHR is an international treaty to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe, incorporated into UK law as the Human Rights ActThe Human Rights Act 1998 is an Act of Parliament that incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. 1998. All Council of Europe member states including the UK have signed the Convention.The ECHR is an international treaty to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe, incorporated into UK law as the Human Rights ActThe Human Rights Act 1998 is an Act of Parliament that incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. 1998. All Council of Europe member states including the UK have signed the Convention.On 4 July 2006 INQUEST held a second Parliamentary Briefing on the call for a public inquiry into the death of 16-year-old Joseph Scholes in Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution in 2002. A previous Briefing was held on 2 November 2003 by INQUEST and Nacro.
The Briefing focused on the shocking issues surrounding Joseph’s death and the treatment of children in the criminal justice system, including sentencing policy and the adequacy of practices, procedures and facilities to safeguard vulnerable children in custody.
Since the launch of the campaign in November 2003, backing for the public inquiry into Joseph’s death has snowballed with over 170 supporters, including children’s charities, penal reform groups, leading members of the legal establishment, peers and MPs.Following the inquest into his death in April 2004 the Coroner also supported the need for a public inquiry. More than 100 MPs signed an Early Day Motion (EDM 1423, 30 June 2004) in support of the call, and a second Motion (EDM 2410, 20 June 2006) tabled by the Scholes family MP Chris Ruane has received renewed support.
Joseph was a deeply disturbed young boy who had been repeatedly sexually abused from an early age. On 24 th March 2002 he hanged himself in his cell at Stoke Heath Young Offender Institution in Shropshire . His death occurred just nine days into his two year sentence for street robbery.
Joseph’s death raises serious issues about the ability of the state agencies to provide a safe environment to care for society’s most vulnerable young offenders. His death also raises questions about the procedures for holding these agencies to account when they fail.
INQUEST and Joseph’s mother Yvonne Scholes believe that the seriousness of this particular case, and the wider policy issues that it raises, warrants an independent and open judicial inquiry.
Deborah Coles, Co-Director of INQUEST, said:
“We know from INQUEST’s casework that child deaths are too often linked to failings in the community, the inappropriate use of penal custody for vulnerable children, inadequate treatment whilst in custody whereby the institutions are unable to care for the vulnerabilities of those that they detain. Child deaths in custody raise thematic issues that need to be addressed in a joined up manner through a properly resourced inquiry so that appropriate recommendations are made to ensure that lessons are learned and safeguards put in place to protect the lives of children in the future. The public interest case for a judicial inquiry remains urgent and pressing.”
The need to examine the tragic course of events that led to Joseph’s death remains as pressing as ever. 30 children have died in state custody since 1990, with six further deaths since Joseph died, but there has still not been a public inquiry into any of these deaths.
Yvonne Scholes said:
“When mothers hand over the care of their children to the state, they expect a role to be fulfilled. When a policeman knocks on your door and tells you your son has died whilst in the care of the state, hundreds of questions have to be answered. Only a public inquiry can answer these.”
For a list of child deaths in penal custody since 1990 click here
To read the current briefing Why Are Children Dying In Custody? click here
To read the Joseph Scholes campaign briefing from November 2003 click here
To read a report on INQUEST’s parliamentary briefing on child deaths in custody click here
To read EDM 1423 tabled on 30 June 2004 (including the list of signatories) click here
To read EDM 2410 tabled on 20 June 2006 (including the list of signatories) click here
To find out more information about Nacro click here
To read the latest Joseph Scholes press release click here
Joseph Scholes Public Inquiry Supporters
INQUEST and Nacro supported by:
Action for Prisoners Families;
Barnardo’s;
Michael Beloff QC;
Geoffrey Bindman, Solicitor;
Ruth Bundey, Solicitor;
Campaign for Freedom of Information;
CEART, Irish Deaths in Custody Campaign;
The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies;
CHANGE;
Children’s Rights Alliance;
Louise Christian, Solicitor;
Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice;
Community Care Magazine;
Crime and Society Foundation;
Baroness David; Restorative Justice Consortium;
Centre For Corporate Accountability;
Lord Dholakia;
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund;
Fawcett Society;
Harry Fletcher, NAPO;
Matt Foot, ASBO Concern;
Baroness Gibson;
Professor Barry Goldson, Liverpool University;
Howard League for Penal Reform;
Baroness Howarth;
Baroness Howe;
Lord Hylton;
JUSTICE;
Imran Khan, Solicitor;
The Law Society;
Liberty;
Juliet Lyon, Prison Reform Trust;
Ian MacDonald QC;
Mike Mansfield QC;
Baroness Massey;
MIND;
National Association for Youth Justice;
National Youth Agency;
NCH;
NSPCC;
Tim Owen QC;
Gareth Peirce, Solicitor;
Prisoners’ Advice Service;
Forum on Prisoner Education;
Rainer;
Lord Ramsbotham;
Bob Reitemeier, Children’s Society;
Save the Children UK;
Mark Scott, solicitor;
Professor Phil Scraton, Queen’s University, Belfast;
Peter Selby, Bishop of Worcester;
Professor Joe Sim, Liverpool John Moores University;
Baroness Stern;
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide;
Bridget A Towers, Kingston University;
Lianne Tweddall, University of Central Lancs.;
United Family and Friends Campaign;
UNLOCK;
Voice for the Child in Care;
Dr Tony Ward, University of Hull;
Young People Now Magazine;
Zahid Mubarek Family Campaign;
plus over 100 MPs and Peers
List updated 5th July 2006
