James Maxwell-Scott KC represents family in Oxford University social ostracism inquest
James Maxwell-Scott KC represented the family of Alexander Rogers, a student at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, who took his own life in January 2024. The Coroner found that his decision to do so was likely influenced by the isolation he felt following a decision by his peers to ostracise him, a decision that arose from an earlier incident with another student. That student did not report the incident formally but did tell several other students about it.
The inquest heard that there was a very concerning culture among the student body of social ostracism described as a form of “cancel culture”. Students could rush to judgment without knowledge of all the facts and exclude students from social circles often without due process or a fair hearing. This culture was pervasive and had become established and normalised.
The Coroner accepted the family’s submission that a Prevention of Future Death report was required. He noted that, whilst it was difficult to ascertain with any certainty the prevalence of the culture of social ostracism, the evidence was that it was an issue for the Higher Education Sector as a whole. He has therefore addressed the PFD report to the Department for Education.
The case has been widely reported in national newspapers in both news articles and comment pieces.
James was instructed by Edward Macey-Dare of Ogletree Deakins LLP (previously of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd). Both James and Edward acted pro bono.
