The role of the Coroner
What a Coroner does
A coroner investigates some deaths, but not all.
They investigate deaths:
- that are caused by violence or are due to unnatural causes
- where the cause of death is unknown
- where the person who has died was in prison, in police custody, or in another place where they were legally detained (for example, under the Mental Health Act 1983)
All work of the Coroner's Service is covered by the Guide to Coroner Services.
We are here to support you. If you have questions, please email: hmcoroner@wakefield.gov.uk
When a death is reported to a Coroner
If a death is sent to the coroner, the paperwork you need to Register the death may be different from the usual doctor's medical certificate.
The coroner will consider if:
- the death was from natural causes
- an autopsy (either a post-mortem or a CT scan) is needed
- an inquest is needed
What Medical Examiners do
Medical Examiners review deaths to check that the cause of death is correct, and that cases if needed are reported to the Coroner. They also look to see if there are any concerns about the medical treatment of the person who has died. They do this by looking at the person’s medical notes and speaking to the doctor involved and the next of kin.
How we will support you
We understand this is a difficult and emotional time.
The Coroner, their officers, and all staff will always:
- treat you with politeness and respect
- treat you with care, patience and sympathy
- respect your loved one’s religion and culture as much as they can while doing their jobs in the way the law requires
The Coroner’s role is to be impartial, fair and independent, and to find out the facts about the death in the way the law requires.
We keep sensitive information as confidential as possible.
We can help with any questions you or others may have, as long as the Coroner is sure that any person asking for information has a “proper interest” in the inquest. If needed, the Coroner’s Officer can explain whether a person asking for information has a “proper interest” in the inquest.
How your personal data is used
- information about someone who has died is not covered by data protection laws, but we still treat them with care and dignity
- inquests happen in a public court, and anyone can attend
- the formal conclusion of an inquest is a public record, and anyone can ask for a copy of the death certificate from the Registry Office
- information about living people is protected by GDPR
- some personal details (for example, witnesses’ names) are part of the coroner’s case file
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect on 25th May 2018, replacing the previous rules under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Role of the Coroner’s Officer
A Coroner’s Officer:
- helps the coroner with the investigation into the cause of a death
- speaks to family members
- gives the coroner all the information needed so a decision can be made if any further action should be taken
- stays in touch with the family while the investigation is happening
- can help with questions about funeral arrangements
The funeral can only be arranged when the Coroner has told the Coroner’s Officer the body can be released. Sometimes an investigation or inquest must start before approval can be given.
Applying for permission to move a body abroad
The coroner will try to finish their investigation and decide if the application to remove a body abroad is agreed within five days of being given the application, including weekends and bank holidays.
