BBC Radio 4's Law in Action was broadcast on Tuesday, 6 February, 2006 at 1600 GMT.
A young man's body lies unidentified under the care of a coroner, for 27 months - even though a simple DNA test would have identified him.
It is a disturbing story, which highlights what many see as fundamental failings in the Coroners' Courts. Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman has now unveiled plans for radical change to the system in England and Wales. They follow recommendations made by the inquiry into the murders by Harold Shipman and by a comprehensive review of the system in 2003.
Under the new plans, grieving relatives will be able to ask for a "second opinion" on death certificates. There will also be a new chief coroner, who will oversee coroners' work and some inquests will now be heard in private or, where they are particularly complicated, by judges.
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