Coroner’s Act 2006

Question 1

What is the role of the coroner?

Answer 1

To obtain evidence about the death and decide whether any comments or recommendations should be made to reduce the chance of the same death happening again.

Question 2

What does S.C.U.M.B.I.E stand for?

Answer 2

Suicide/Cause unknown/unnatural or violent death/medical or surgical/birth deaths/Institutional death/enactment

Question 3

Under what section must a death be reported?

Answer 3

Section 13(2) The Coroners Act 2006

Question 4

What is a post-mortem?

Answer 4

A post-mortem is an examination of a person’s body to determine cause of death.

Question 5

Who authorises a post mortem?

Answer 5

The Coroner

Question 6

Who performs a post mortem examination?

Answer 6

A pathologist

Question 7

When must an inquest be held?

Answer 7

If the death is
- self inflicted
-Death occurs in custody
- any death in which the coroner is not satisfied that the cause has been clearly established.