A man reported missing from Manchester was found dead in Eryri National Park. Details surrounding his death are under investigation.
Families worry about reporters at inquests, fearing sensationalism or tarnished memories. Good journalists report sensitively while still reporting upsetting facts. Inquests are judicial inquiries that occur in a coroner’s court.
The press can attend inquests and report as part of open justice. Journalists follow the Editors’ Code of Conduct. They explain why someone died and prevent secrets about deaths, and reports can clear up rumors.
Inquest reports can prevent future deaths. Inquests aren’t criminal courts; they are fact-finding tribunals. They answer four main questions: Who died? Where did they die? When did they die? How did they die?
Inquests don’t assign blame. Coroners reach a conclusion once those questions are answered. Lessons from inquests have impacts, and the public needs to know about them. Coroners often don’t publish inquest results.
Without journalists, the system isn’t held accountable. Inquests start discussions on important issues, and mental health and suicide are recent examples. Editors want reporters to talk to families.
Family input creates a clearer picture and allows tributes to the person. Families can refuse to speak, and this choice is respected. Family input can help save lives, and many campaigns prove it.
The press must attend inquests. Otherwise, questions remain open, debates will not happen, and more lives are then lost.