Sudden Death

Question 1

What are 2 roles of the Coroner

Answer 1

Determine the Cause of Death

Legislative authority to determine need for PM to assist in determining cause of death.

Question 2

Section 43 - Body release.

The Coroner must do what if they determine not to do PM.

Answer 2

Coroner must NOT authorise release of body under s42 earlier than 24hrs after notifying a Constable of the decision.

Above does not apply if S/Sgt or above agrees to Coroner authorising release within the 24hr period - COR30 form usually to DCC

Question 3

COR30 principle consideration

Answer 3

Are police satisfied a PM is not required because there are no potential crime concerns.

Question 4

Can police refuse to sign COR30

Answer 4

Only when there is an evidential basis to support refusal - where there is evidence the Coroner hasn’t been provided with.

Question 5

Forms of body identification - 5

Answer 5

1. Visual ID
2. Fingerprints
3. Odontology
4. Comparison id process - DVI
5. DNA
   (2-5 need to request authorisation from Coroner)