Course summary

Are you a legal professional or individual with a relevant background seeking to deepen your knowledge and expertise in the intricate realm of coronial law? Look no further! The University of Bolton’s part-time LLM in Coronial Law is a pioneering online programme centred on the investigation of unnatural death through a coronial law lens. The LLM in Coronial Law is a new and innovative online LLM programme that focuses on the vital specialist area of coronial law. This part-time online postgraduate course is ideal if you are a legal professional or have a relevant professional background and seek to deepen your knowledge and expertise in this specialised area. The programme provides an in-depth understanding of the legal principles, procedures, and practices related to coronial law, as well as fundamental medico-legal knowledge. It is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the complex legal and ethical issues that arise in this field. The course begins by providing a comprehensive overview of coronial law and the role of coroners in investigating deaths, determining causes of death, and, where necessary drawing up reports to aid future prevention. It also explores the legal and ethical issues encountered in coronial investigations, including the powers of coroners, the rights of the deceased and their families, and the responsibilities of other relevant parties such as hospitals, employers, and law enforcement agencies. In addition to legal knowledge, the programme teaches medico-legal aspects, including the relevant foundations of medicine and the work of medical examiners. This is essential in understanding not only the role of coroners, but also in providing expert evidence in court and preparing and presenting reports. Ethical considerations, such as balancing the rights of the deceased and their families with conducting thorough investigations and respecting privacy, will also be covered.