Coroner's Court

Overview

Coroners are independent judicial officers who investigate sudden, unexplained, violent, or unnatural deaths, and deaths in state custody or care. The coroner's purpose is to determine who the deceased was, and how, when, and where they died. Some inquests are held with a jury (most often deaths in custody, police shootings, or deaths in dangerous workplace conditions). The coroner does not determine criminal or civil liability — these are matters for other courts.

What it handles

• Sudden, unexplained, violent, or unnatural deaths reported to the coroner
• Deaths in state custody, immigration detention, or under DOLS authorisation
• Article 2 ECHR inquests (state's investigative duty triggered)
• Treasure finds under the Treasure Act 1996

Process

1. Step 1: Investigation decision

   The coroner tries to find out how the person died and may decide they do not need to investigate; if so, a medical examiner contacts you to confirm the death can be registered.

2. Step 2: Cause of death found

   If the coroner decides the cause of death is clear, they issue a certificate to the registrar saying an inquest is not needed, and the registrar contacts you to arrange registration.

3. Step 3: Post-mortem examination

   The coroner may order a post-mortem examination, in a hospital or mortuary, to find out how the person died; you cannot object to it, though the coroner must tell you and the GP when and where it will take place if you've asked.

4. Step 4: Inquest opened

   A coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown, the person might have died a violent or unnatural death, or might have died in prison or police custody.

5. Step 5: Body released and death certified

   The coroner releases the body once post-mortem examinations are complete; if there's no inquest, they send Form CN2 to the registrar stating the cause of death, plus a cremation certificate if needed.

Representation

Bereaved families may instruct solicitors and counsel; legal aid (Exceptional Case Funding) sometimes available for Article 2 inquests.

Official sources