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Findings information

Magistrates Court - Coroners Court

Coroners must report their findings at the end of the investigation. This report, where possible, will include the findings about the identity of the deceased and when, where and how they died and what caused them to die. The coroner’s findings will vary in length depending on the unique circumstances of each case.

If an inquest was held the coroner may also make recommendations about broader issues connected with the death aimed at preventing similar deaths from occurring in the future. For example the coroner may make recommendations about improving hospital procedures, safety standards or road signage.

A copy of the coroner’s findings will be sent to a family member, usually the spouse, adult child or parent of the deceased.

If the investigation resulted in an inquest, findings will be published on this website.

If you are dissatisfied with the finding made at an inquest, you may apply to the state coroner or the District Court to have the finding set aside.

How do I obtain copies of findings?

Information on obtaining copies of findings made at an inquest can be found via the Accessing coronial documents link.

I am dissatisfied with the finding at an inquest, or would like an inquest reopened. What can I do?

If you are dissatisfied with the inquest findings, you may apply to the state coroner or District Court to set aside the finding. If you are making an application to the state coroner you must use Form 21 - Application to state coroner to set aside findings.

You may also apply to the District Court, based on the same grounds, even if the state coroner has refused an application. However, you can not apply to the state coroner, based on the same or substantially the same grounds or evidence, if the District Court has already refused the application

If the District Court sets aside a finding, it may order:

the state coroner to reopen the inquest to re-examine the findings or hold a new inquest
the state coroner to direct another coroner to either reopen the inquest to re-examine the findings or hold a new inquest.

If the state coroner decides to set aside a finding, they may re-open the inquest to re-examine the findings or hold a new inquest or direct another coroner to take these steps.

Last updated Tuesday, 20 November 2007 10:47