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

Representation

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

Official sources