These 2 Letters to the Editor respond to Pounder’s earlier article (see SIEC AN 920944). The Letter by Eales cites sexual asphyxia to point out that not all deaths by hanging are suicidal. The Letter by Surtees shares Pounder’s view that a change in the burden of proof for suicide verdicts is overdue. He provides a historical perspective on coroner’s inquests, reports on cases where there was an open verdict, & notes that suicides may be underestimated but this is in accordance with the law.