Coronial investigations
Magistrates Court - Coroners Court
Once a death is reported, the coroner must investigate the circumstances of the death to establish:- the identity of the deceased
- when and where they died
- how the death occurred
- what caused the death.
The coroner controls and coordinates each step of the investigation. Police officers usually assist the coroner to gather evidence.
A coronial investigation may take several months. The length of the investigation will depend on the unique circumstances of the case.
If you have some information that may be relevant to the investigation, you should contact the Magistrates Court where the investigation is being conducted, or the investigating officer.
The steps of a coronial investigation
| 1 | The death is reported to the coroner, usually by police. |
| 2 |
Police will collect some initial information about the circumstances of the death from family members, friends and witnesses. |
| 3 | A relative or friend who knows the deceased may be asked to identify the deceased at the mortuary. Sometimes identification will be made by clothing or possessions, or in a small number of cases, through DNA testing. |
| 4 | After looking at the initial information the coroner may ask for more details to be provided. For example, the coroner may require the police to obtain medical records or further statements from witnesses. |
| 5 | In most cases, the coroner will order an autopsy to help determine the cause of death. Family and cultural concerns are considered before ordering an internal autopsy. |
| 6 | Once the autopsy is complete and the coroner is satisfied with the information, the body is released for burial or cremation. |
| 7 | The coroner may then use wide powers of investigation and request additional reports, statements or information. This additional information may be gained from investigators, police, doctors, engineers, workplace health and safety inspectors, mining inspectors, air safety officers, electrical inspectors or other witnesses. |
| 8 | The coroner will make a decision on whether to hold an inquest into the death. Families can also request the coroner to hold an inquest. |
| 9 | The coroner will detail the findings in a report at the end of the investigation and a copy will be sent to the family. If an inquest is held, the findings may be very lengthy. |
Last updated Friday, 23 November 2007 10:02
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