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Coroners

Coroners are independent judicial officers a type of specialist judge who investigates and explains certain kinds of deaths. They are unlike the rest of the judiciary as they are appointed by local authorities. There are currently 77 coroner areas across England and Wales and each jurisdiction is locally funded.

They are responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexplained, violent, or legally uncertain. The police, doctors or healthcare professionals, and family members can report a death to a Coroner if they are concerned about the circumstances of death. A coroner is not always called when someone dies but will investigate if they have reason to suspect that:

• The death was violent or unnatural; or
• The cause of death is unknown; or
• The deceased died while in state detention.

A coroner is usually not involved when the death is expected and from natural causes, eg: terminal illness) and a doctor can issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). In these cases, friends, families or partner can proceed with registering the death and organising a funeral without coroner involvement.

When a Coroner is involved, there is

• An initial Report: the death is reported to the coroner by a doctor, police officer, or registrar
• An Investigation: the coroner investigates to establish the cause of death. This may involve a post-mortem (autopsy) or further inquiries
• An Inquest (if necessary): If the death remains unexplained or has legal implications, an inquest (a formal hearing) may be held
• An Outcome: The coroner concludes the cause of death and issues a certificate for registration purposes

 Coroners’ courts | Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
When a death is reported to a coroner | GOV.UK
Coroner | Wikipedia