Courts / Dublin / Report

Jurors at Stardust Inquest begin their deliberations

Date
2024-04-03
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The jury of the Stardust Inquest, after a year‑long hearing with testimony from more than 370 witnesses, began deliberations on 3 April 2024. They will return to the Rotunda Hospital's Pillar Room tomorrow to continue considering verdicts for the 48 young people who died in the 1981 fire at the Stardust Ballroom. The jury has heard 95 days of direct evidence from 373 witnesses. They asked Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane for clarification on the standard of proof for each verdict. She explained that accidental death, death by misadventure, and narrative verdicts require proof "on the balance of probabilities, more likely than not," while unlawful killing requires the "beyond a reasonable doubt" test. She also outlined examples of each verdict and reminded the jury that an inquest is a fact‑finding exercise, not a trial, and that a verdict can only be returned when all jurors agree.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jurors at Stardust Inquest begin their deliberations. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Rotunda Hospital

Topics

Stage Trial

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