THE CORONER’S COURT
The role of the coroner is to investigate deaths, fires, and at times explosions.
A Coroner may and generally does not conduct an Inquest. In relation to some types of matters, an Inquest must be held .They are:
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The deceased person has not been identified.
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The cause of death has not been determined.
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The person died as a result of a homicide.
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The person died as the result of the administration of an anaesthetic.
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The person died within 24 hours of the administration of an anaesthetic and a relative or interested person has made a request within 28 days of the death that an inquest be held.
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The Attorney General orders that an inquest be held or
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The State Coroner directs that an inquest be held.
If the person died in the course of a police operation, while in custody, while escaping or while attempting to escape from custody, the State Coroner or one of the Deputy State Coroners must hold an inquest.
The Coroner can, make a finding into how or why a person died, make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies, or even recommend that a person or persons be charged with a crime.
Coming before a Coroner can be a very difficult and stressful time. It may be that a loved one has died, and you have been summonsed to tell the Coroner what you know. Alternatively, the Coroner may suspect you of involvement in a death. Either way, it is important you seek legal advice and consider whether you wish to have legal representation at the hearing.
The role of the Coroner as outlined in the NSW Coroner’s Act 1980 is to determine the identity of the deceased and the date, place, manner and medical cause of death of the deceased. In order to fulfil this role, the Coroner relies on information obtained from pathologists, police personnel, general medical practitioners, and specialist physicians.
The Coroner's Court does not issue the Death Certificate.
