Articles
The truth is out there
23/10/2008Public inquiries are cathartic for grieving families but often fail to address the very failings they identify.
In recent years, public inquiries have become part of the fabric of our political life. Their recommendations are often the platform for major public policy changes.
When powerful organisations and government agencies appear to fail in carrying out their responsibilities, sometimes causing catastrophic human tragedy, there has to be a mechanism in place to effect change. Usually such inquiries follow a major disaster or matter of controversy, where there is suspicion on the part of the community involved - such as the parents whose babies died at Bristol Royal Infirmary and the families whose relatives were murdered by Harold Shipman. They are looking for the truth to be discovered in a wholly independent forum where lessons will be learned and recommendations will be made to make sure something similar cannot possibly happen again.
To read the full article which appeared in the Law Society Gazette click here
