Why do cases go to coroners court?
A Coroner must investigate a death in his/her jurisdiction if there is reason to suspect that: The death is violent or unnatural. The cause of death is unknown. The death occurred whilst the deceased person was in custody (such as a prison, police cell or psychiatric hospital)
How do I access coroners reports?
If you want a written copy of the full report you need to ask the coroner’s officer or to write to the Coroner concerned and they may charge a fee. Some Coroners prefer to send the report to a doctor to explain and discuss the findings with you.
How long does a coroner’s court take?
Inquest hearings can last anything from 15 minutes to several days. It depends what has happened and what issues need to be explored. Most inquests take half a day or less.
How do you write a coroner’s statement?
Be concise and clear, avoiding jargon or abbreviations. Explain medical terminology including medication and what it is used for. Write as if for an intelligent lay person. This will be appreciated by the Coroner and the family.
Why is there an inquest into a death?
An inquest is an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a death. The purpose of the inquest is to find out who the deceased person was and how, when and where they died and to provide the details needed for their death to be registered.
What happens at a coroner court?
A coroner will generally open an inquest and adjourn it for the police and other authorities to gather evidence and other information about the circumstances surrounding the death. The hearing is held at a later stage. Once the coroner or the jury if applicable has determined the facts surrounding the death.
What happens in a Coroners Court?
What information does a coroner’s report include?
What does the coroner report include? A coroner report includes the autopsy report, the investigation report, and it may include any or all of the following reports: toxicology, criminalist, gunshot residue, and a variety of consultant reports.
What does coroner’s Court of Western Australia do?
The Coroner’s Court of Western Australia is a specialist court established to investigate certain types of deaths. The purpose of these investigations is to determine the cause and manner of death and also to consider ways that similar deaths may be prevented in the future.
When does a coroner have to have an inquest?
Only a small number of investigations by the Coroner end with an Inquest. There is always an Inquest if the deceased was held in care or the death was caused or contributed to by any action of a member of the Police Force. There may be an Inquest in other cases if the Coroner believes it is necessary or desirable in all the circumstances.
How to contact the coronial counselling service Australia?
During office hours please phone (08) 9425 2900 or 1800 671 994 for country callers. A counsellor is available after hours on 0419 904 476. We accept direct referrals from family members and friends or police, hospital staff and welfare agencies may make a referral to the service.
What happens after an inquest in Western Australia?
In some cases, following an inquest, a coroner may comment and make recommendations about public health or safety or the administration of justice aimed at preventing similar deaths from happening in the future. The Coroner’s Court of Western Australia understands the impact coronial investigations may have on family and friends.