Standard of proof for the short-form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing
Seeks views on whether it would be appropriate to consider changing the standard of proof for the short form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing from the civil to the criminal standard.
What is being proposed
The Ministry of Justice is seeking views on whether it would be appropriate to consider a change to the standard of proof for the short-form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing from the civil standard (i.e. on the balance of probabilities) to the criminal standard (i.e. beyond reasonable doubt).
The consultation is aimed at anyone with a professional or personal interest in this issue, to inform our understanding of the ways in which the current framework is working and the implications of any potential change across the range of contexts in which the question of unlawful killing might arise at inquest in England and Wales.
Documents
3How to respond
The department has not published a response route on GOV.UK. It is usually inside the consultation document above.
Responses close 7 December 2026.