Coroners Inquests

Attending an inquest

An inquest is a public court hearing, sometimes held before a jury, to decide who died, how, when and where the death happened.

Not all deaths which are investigated by a Coroner need to have an inquest. You will be advised when an inquest is required.

During the inquest the Coroner may hear from witnesses and will read onto the court record other evidence received.

An inquest is a fact-finding hearing. An inquest is different from other types of court hearing because there is no prosecution or defence and only the Coroner can decide what evidence to hear. The purpose of the inquest is to discover the facts of the death. The Coroner's court does not determine criminal liability by a named person or civil liability.

Must I attend?

If you are asked to give evidence at the Inquest, you will be sent a summons and will be expected to attend. If you think this will be too difficult you should discuss it with us. It is a decision for the Coroner whether to dismiss you from giving evidence.

You do not need to attend an inquest if you are not giving evidence. This is entirely your decision.

Our Court Usher dealing with your loved one's case will discuss the details with you, including the date the inquest is scheduled to take place.

Who else will be in court?

Members of the public may attend, and the media are allowed to report on proceedings. 

Family members and friends are also welcome to attend court to hear evidence and ask questions if they are unsure about anything.

All people attending court are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the inquest starts to ensure the inquest proceeds on time. 

Accessibility

The Coroners Court aims to be as accessible as possible:

• Our Coroner’s Court is ground floor based
• hearing loop service for those hard of hearing
• adaptations of evidence and documentation for those with problems with their eyesight is available

If you are called as a juror

Most inquests are held without a jury, but there are times when the law says that a jury must be called. This includes:

• if the death happened in prison, in police custody or another type of state
  detention (except if the death was from natural causes) 
• if the death resulted from an accident at work
• if the senior coroner thinks that there is sufficient reason for doing so

These inquests can range from one day to multiple weeks - your summons will state the approximate length of the inquest.

The summons will ask you if you are eligible to be a juror and will explain the eligibility criteria.

Jurors for the Coroners Court are summoned the same way as they are for the criminal courts; randomly from the electoral register. You will receive a summons in the post and this paperwork will need to be filled in as instructed and returned to the court at the earliest convenience, but within 7 days.