Coroners and Justice

Official Summary

A Bill to amend the law relating to coroners and to certification and registration of deaths; to amend the criminal law; to make provision about criminal justice and about dealing with offenders; to make provision about the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses; to make provision relating to the security of court and other buildings; to make provision about legal aid; to make provision for payments to be made by offenders in respect of benefits derived from the exploitation of material pertaining to offences; to amend the Data Protection Act 1998; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This bill, the Coroners and Justice Bill, involves amendments regarding the disclosure of information during inquests and the provisions within the Public Order Act 1986. The House of Lords and House of Commons disagree on several amendments, primarily concerning access to intercepted communication data for inquests and the necessity of specific sections within the Public Order Act.

Description

The bill centers around disagreements between the House of Lords and the House of Commons on several amendments. Key disagreements include:

Amendment 1 & 2: The Lords sought to allow coroners access to intercepted communication data (obtained under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000) for inquests. The Commons rejected this, citing concerns about public disclosure of such material. The Lords withdrew their amendments and proposed a new amendment (1B) enabling the Lord Chancellor to suspend an inquest if another inquiry is underway under the Inquiries Act 2005.
Amendments 59, 119, 121, 236, 239: These amendments relate to section 29JA of the Public Order Act 1986. The Lords insisted these provisions are necessary; the Commons argued they are unnecessary.
Amendment 216: This amendment sought to apply changes concerning intercepted communication data to ongoing investigations. The Commons rejected this as it was linked to the rejected Amendment 2.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly specify government spending. However, depending on the outcome of the disputes over amendments (particularly those concerning access to intercepted information), there could be associated costs for investigation or legal challenges. No figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

Coroners: Affected by the amendments relating to access to intercepted communication data and the ability of the Lord Chancellor to suspend investigations.
Individuals involved in inquests: Affected by decisions regarding disclosure of information, potentially influencing inquest outcomes.
Law enforcement agencies: Affected by decisions relating to the disclosure of intercepted communications data.
Individuals subject to investigations under the Public Order Act 1986: Affected by the outcome of disagreements surrounding section 29JA.

Full Text

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