The Coroner
What happens if the death is referred to a Coroner ?
If a death is reported to the Coroner which does not need to be the subject of an inquest ( when death is a result of natural disease or illness ), a certificate giving the cause of death will be sent to the Registrar of deaths on completion of the Coroner ’ s enquiries . You can then go ahead with the death registration .
In a small number of cases – where the cause of death is unnatural or remains unknown – the police or doctor will report the death to the Coroner .
Inquests
It is the duty of Coroners to investigate deaths which are reported to them and which :
• appear to be due to violence
• are unnatural
• are of unknown cause
• occur in legal custody .
The Coroner will preserve confidentiality as far as possible but you should remember that the system is based on public court hearings .
If you request it , the Coroner will explain the reasons for the procedures adopted in particular cases as long as the Coroner is satisfied that the person has a proper interest and a right to know .
An inquest is not a trial . It is an enquiry to establish who the deceased was and how , when and where they died .
After the death , the Coroner will issue an interim death certificate to enable the estate to be dealt with . On conclusion of the inquest , the next of kin will be provided with an explanation about how , where and when a copy of the death certificate can be obtained .
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