What if future deaths may be prevented?
Sometimes the evidence at an inquest will show that something could be done to prevent similar fatalities. If so, at the end of the inquest the coroner may announce that he or she will draw this to the attention of any person or organisation that may have the power to take action. This is something referred to as a “Rule 43 Report” – as the power to make such a report is found in Rule 43 of the Coroners Rules 1984. This Rule was significantly changed in 2008. Now anyone who receives such a report must send the coroner a written response. These reports, and the responses to them, are copied to all interested persons and to the Lord Chancellor. A summary of the reports is published twice a year, by the Ministry of Justice.
