What is coronial process?

The Coronial Process In most circumstances, the Coroner’s role is to review suspicious and accidental deaths; to identify the person who has died and to find out how their death occurred, including the cause and circumstances. After the Coroner has reviewed and heard all the evidence, he or she will write a finding.

How does a coronial inquest work?

A coronial inquest is an investigation into the cause of somebody’s death. In NSW, the Coroner’s Court will call for a coronial inquest in any circumstance under which the cause of death is uncertain, or where death has been the result of anything other than natural causes.

What is a coronial request?

When a Coroner investigates a death or a fire or explosion, the court gathers a range of documents which make up the coronial file. The majority of Coroner’s findings following an inquest are available to the public.

In what circumstances should a death be referred to the Coroner?

the person died unexpectedly, the person died from an accident or injury, the person died in a violent or unnatural way; the person died during or as a result of an anaesthetic.

How long does a coronial investigation take?

The reality is that a coronial investigation is both complex and lengthy. Whilst some cases may be resolved within a few months, the majority of cases take considerably longer. An investigation often takes up to 12 months and in rare instances, even longer.

How long do coroners reports take?

A post-mortem will be carried out as soon as possible, usually within 2 to 3 working days of a person’s death. In some cases, it may be possible for it to take place within 24 hours. Depending upon when the examination is due to take place, you may be able to see the body before the post-mortem is carried out.

Can you view coroners reports?

You can get copies of official reports of inquests from the local Coroner’s office. To get a report, you will need to write to the Coroner’s Office requesting this information and include the name of the deceased, the date of death, the hospital involved (if any) and the date of the inquest (if you know this).

Can anyone request a coroner’s report?

The Coroner or Coroner’s Officer will give you the cause of death found by the pathologist at a coroner’s post mortem examination. If you want a written copy of the full report you need to ask the coroner’s officer or to write to the Coroner concerned and they may charge a fee.

HOW LONG DOES A BODY stay at the coroner’s?

Between the time of death and the funeral service, most bodies remain in a funeral home between 3 and 7 days.

What is coronial evidence?

Coroners usually prefer oral evidence because it allows the person giving the evidence to be questioned, so that the details in their statement can be explored. A coroner may still allow evidence to be given in deposition or affidavit form if the evidence is not in dispute.

What happens after a coroner’s report?

Following the post-mortem, the coroner may decide to hold an inquest into the death. If the evidence heard during the coroner’s inquest suggests the death may have been caused by someone else’s actions or negligence, the family may be able to make a claim for compensation on behalf of the deceased.