The Coroners Act 2012

Question 1

List the facts that need to be established at an Inquest?

Answer 1

• The fact that a person has died.
• The identity of the deceased
• The cause of death
• Where and when the death occurred
• The circumstances of the death

Question 2

Outline the functions of the coroner, under the Coroners Act 2006.

Answer 2

The coroner is appointed to enquire into the death of any person to
establish:
- That a person has died
- The person identity
- Where and when the person died
- The causes of the death
- The circumstances of the death
- Make comments or recommendations that reduce the chances of death occurring in similar circumstances.
- Determine whether the public interest would be served by the death being investigated by other authorities.

Question 3

State when an inquest is required.

Answer 3

• Suicide
• Any institutional deaths
• Any death the coroner is not satisfied that the cause or circumstances have been clearly established.

Question 4

State what types of death must be reported to the Coroner?

Answer 4

• S: Suicide
• C: Cause unknown or no Drs Certificate issued
• U: Unnatural or violent death
• M: Medical/surgical/dental operation or procedure
• B: Birth deaths or deaths that appear to be a result of pregnancy or childbirth
• I: Institutional deaths - deaths in psychiatric hospital/prison/ police custody.
• E: Enactment that requires the holding of an inquest.
  (Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989/ Corrections Act 1952 & Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971)