Citation

O'Donnell I, Farmer R. Br. J. Psychiatry 1995; 166(4): 458-461.

Affiliation

University of Oxford, Centre for Criminological Research.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7795916

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.

Language: en