The Coroners Act 2006 (CM13)

Question 1

What is the role of a Coroner?

Answer 1

Help prevents avoidable deaths by evaluating evidence obtained about the death and determines

• That a person has died
• The person’s identity
• When and where the person died
• The causes of death
• The circumstances of death

Question 2

What is the requirement to report a sudden death to a Coroner?

Answer 2

• Report the death immediately

- Report by phoning the Coroner’s National Initial Investigation Office (NIIO)

Question 3

What is the purpose of a post-mortem examination?

Answer 3

An examination of a persons body to determine the cause of death.

Question 4

Who authorises and performs post-mortem examinations?

Answer 4

Authorised by the Coroner and performed by a pathologist.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a coronial inquiry and what form they may take?

Answer 5

Opens and conducts inquiries for:

• Fact that a person has died
(Verification of Death form Cor31)

• Identity of the deceased
(Deceased Person Identification Form - POL 265A)

• Cause of death form
(Pathologist’s Report)

• Where and when the death occurred
(Initial Report for Coroner - POL 47)

• Circumstances of the death
(Statements / Job sheets)

Question 6

What is the circumstances in which an inquest must be held?

Answer 6

• Self inflicted
• Death in official custody or care
• Death in which the coroner is not satisfied that the cause or circumstances of death have been clearly established

Question 7

Deaths that must be reported to Coroner (S.C.U.M.B.I.E)

Answer 7

• Suicide
• Cause unknown
• Unnatural or violent death
• Medical
• Birth deaths
• Institutional (Custody, Hospital, Mental Facilities)
• Enactment (Coroner needs more inquiries)