Coroners Court Flashcards
What is the purpose of Coroners Court?
It holds inquests for two reasons:
To investigate a death:
Ascertain the identity of the deceased.
To find out how, when and where the person died.
Enable the coroner to register particulars about a death.
In regards to treasure:
Objects containing gold or silver.
Other objects found with such items should be classed as treasure in which case such things by law can be acquired by a museum.
The coroners rules:
It must be held in public but the public may be excluded on national security grounds.
Evidence can be taken in written form but the coroner must announce the witnesses name and nature of the evidence. If the coroner decides not to read all parts of the evidence. they must announce it and make a formal ruling to justify the decision.
The chiefs coroners guidance states that journalists can inspect and make copy of evidence.
Are juries involved?
May be involved in some types of inquests.
What are case studies?
Access to documents in criminal cases:
In 2012 the court of appeal ruled the guardian newspapers should be given access to documents used in the extradition hearing (Guardian media and media 2TD V city of Westminster magistrates court.) The ruling, a landmark victory for the media, established a presumption in law that journalists covering hearings in courts should be able to see case material. Article 10 rights reflects this.
