On 7th March 2008, the Scottish Government commissioned an independent review into the legislation which has governed the operation of fatal accident inquiries (FAIs) in Scotland for more than 30 years.
The Review, led by the Rt Hon Lord Cullen of Whitekirk KT, examined the operation of judicial inquiries into sudden, suspicious or unexplained deaths. The process was designed to ensure that the FAI system continues to be fit for purpose in the light of changes to other parts of the justice system.
The consultation paper was launched on 20th November 2008, when Lord Cullen invited responses by 20th February, 2009.
The consultation responses were considered and a report on the consultation was published. A list of the respondents and their responses, where permission was granted, is available on the consultation page of the website.
The Report was published on 3rd November 2009. This marked the end of the Review of Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation. The Scottish Government is considering The Report. The contact there is as follows:
Lachlan Stuart
Scottish Government
Legal System Division
2W, St Andrew's House
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
e-mail: Lachlan.Stuart@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Lord Cullen and the Secretary to the Review, Andrew Mackenzie, at the launch of the consultation.