The role of the coroner

The coroner's service

The role of a coroner is to investigate certain types of deaths, often when there are unnatural or unexplained circumstances, and establish certain details.

The role of the coroner

It is the role of the coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding certain types of death, and to inquire and investigate to establish certain facts. The coroner will establish:

  • who - the identity of the deceased 
  • when -  when the death occurred 
  • where - the location of the death 
  • how - the cause and circumstances of the death

Inquests

When must an inquest take place?

A coroner must open an Inquest into a death if it:

  • is reasonable to suspect that the death was not due to natural causes
  • occurred in state detention

Natural causes are:

  • a disease running its natural course
  • where nothing else is implicated

What is an inquest for?

An inquest is a public, fact finding inquiry.

A coroner can’t assign fault or blame or deal with issues of civil or criminal liability.

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