title: Coronial law reform: the new wave.
abstract: The 2006 Report of the Law Reform Committee of the Victorian Parliament into the Coroners Act 1985 (Vic) is a substantial and visionary document which has the potential to take coronial law reform in important new directions. It draws upon a range of reforms trialled in other jurisdictions, but proposes to consolidate a new role for the coroner as a public health official with a formally acknowledged focus on facilitating avoidance of avoidable deaths. Some of its Shipman-inspired proposals require further consideration but the general tenor of the Report - to recognise the distinctive functions of inquests and their potential to alleviate community concerns, respond to family members' needs and reduce the potential for dangerous conduct--deserves support.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Freckelton
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003644:Death Certificates / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D024382:Professional Role; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014739:Victoria