lecture 8: HM Coroner

Question 1

what is a HM coroner?

Answer 1

independent officer of the crown

Question 2

who can be a HM coroner?

Answer 2

a solicitor or doctor appointed by the local council

Question 3

what does the HM coroner do?

Answer 3

investigate deaths that are unnatural or unexpected
when cause is unknown
if death occurred in state detention

Question 4

what does the HM coroner aim to do?

Answer 4

establish all the facts
who died
when they died
how they died

Question 5

list of deaths that MUST be investigated even if cause is known

Answer 5

if deceased was not seen by a doctor during their illness
no death certificate available
death certificate cannot be signed by a doctor within 14 days
death occurred during surgery or before emerging anaesthetic
occurred due to industrial disease/ poisoning
sudden and unexplained

Question 6

primary mode of investigation is the _______.

Answer 6

inquest

Question 7

can a witness be the family of the deceased?

Answer 7

yes

Question 8

can the media attend?

Answer 8

yes its an open court

Question 9

is the expert witness paid?

Answer 9

yes to provide a service

Question 10

what does the expert witness do?

Answer 10

reviews the case and offers opinion

Question 11

if evidence that a crime has been committed emerges, what must happen?

Answer 11

court must adjourn the inquest until after criminal proceedings are completed

Question 12

can a witness bring legal representation to a coroners court?

Answer 12

yes

Question 13

can you refer to your notes and take copies of records etc?

Answer 13

yes

Question 14

what should you do at the initial summons?

Answer 14

reread notes
go over records
alert representation if you have them

Question 15

do you have to say anything that incriminates you

Answer 15

no

Question 16

does the coroner issue verdicts?

Answer 16

no, issues conclusions

Question 17

what must the coroner produce at the end?

Answer 17

a narrative decision where the details of the case are outlined and decisions are explained in detail

Question 18

what is the rule 43 report?

Answer 18

a formal letter from the coroner to interested parties in order to prevent future deaths

Question 19

do you need to respond to this letter?

Answer 19

yes in writing

Question 20

what is the fate of these letters?

Answer 20

copied to the lord Chief Justice and are summarised twice a year

Question 21

if you are served with a rule 43 letter?

Answer 21

you must act on it immediately

Question 22

when in relation to the inquest can civil litigation (law suit) occur?

Answer 22

after the inquest has concluded

Question 23

who do you need to make aware of your involvement in proceedings?

Answer 23

indemnity insurer

Question 24

how do courts see things that have been done but not recorded?

Answer 24

not done