I O'Donnell1, R Farmer. 1. University of Oxford, Centre for Criminological Research.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study explored some of the problems associated with current procedures for the ascertainment of suicide. METHOD: A sample of 242 deaths which were known to have been self-inflicted was followed up through the coroners' courts where causes of death were legally established. RESULTS: Verdicts other than suicide were returned on half of the men, and on one-quarter of the women. CONCLUSIONS: For suicide statistics to become valid indicators of suicide rates it might be more appropriate to apply the civil, rather than the criminal, standard of proof during inquest proceedings.
BACKGROUND: This study explored some of the problems associated with current procedures for the ascertainment of suicide. METHOD: A sample of 242 deaths which were known to have been self-inflicted was followed up through the coroners' courts where causes of death were legally established. RESULTS: Verdicts other than suicide were returned on half of the men, and on one-quarter of the women. CONCLUSIONS: For suicide statistics to become valid indicators of suicide rates it might be more appropriate to apply the civil, rather than the criminal, standard of proof during inquest proceedings.
Authors: Bret S Palmer; Olive Bennewith; Sue Simkin; Jayne Cooper; Keith Hawton; Nav Kapur; David Gunnell Journal: J Public Health (Oxf) Date: 2014-04-10 Impact factor: 2.341