Nine groups seeking standing at what promises to be an emotional public inquiry into Ontario's pediatric pathology system made pitches to Justice Stephen Goudge yesterday.

Ten organizations and one individual - Dr. Charles Smith, whose errors sparked the inquiry - want the right to cross-examine witnesses and make submissions.

Neither Smith nor his lawyer were present at Toronto's Metropolitan Hotel yesterday, where commissioner Goudge held his second public session. He is expected to decide who gets standing by Aug. 20.

The province set up the commission of inquiry after a coroner's review found that Smith erred in 20 of 45 autopsies conducted from 1981 to 2001. In 13 of those cases, people were convicted of crimes, including killing their own children.

The inquiry will begin hearings in late fall. Among those arguing for standing are nine people who say they were wrongfully convicted as a result of Smith's work.