BackgroundThis study explored some of the problems associated with current procedures for the ascertainment of suicide.MethodA 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.ResultsVerdicts other than suicide were returned on half of the men, and on one-quarter of the women.ConclusionsFor 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.