The Potential Impact of Changes in Burden of Proof to Determine Suicide in Ireland

Abstract

This paper considers the potential impacts of changing the burden of proof for determination of death by suicide in Ireland. It reviews origins of the burden of proof standards for suicide, considers evidence and pathways of impact, and then estimates the potential impact empirically using a difference-in-difference (DiD) approach which exploits the quasi-experimental nature of the change in policy in England and Wales versus Ireland. Findings suggest estimated increases of about 8-20% in deaths attributed to suicide due to the change which would make suicide the leading cause of death for a number of age and gender groups.