[JURIST] Seventeen British families who lost relatives in Iraq will go to Britain's High Court Wednesday to demand an independent inquiry into the legality of the Iraq war [JURIST report]. The families argue that the nation's Human Rights Act [text] imposes the duty on the government to conduct an inquiry when the lethal use of force is involved. They are seeking a full independent inquiry into the legality of the war in Iraq, the circumstances that led to the death of the soldiers, and a cross examination of Prime Minister Tony Blair [official website], English Attorney General Lord Goldsmith [BBC backgrounder on Lord Goldsmith's role], former Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon, and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. Ministers have previously refused the families request for an inquiry, arguing that the war was legal. Lawyers for the families hope that the High Court will accept the application for judicial review as soon as possible and hear the case before the end of 2005. The Independent has more.