How long does a coronial investigation take?

How long does a coronial investigation take?

The reality is that a coronial investigation is both complex and lengthy. Whilst some cases may be resolved within a few months, the majority of cases take considerably longer. An investigation often takes up to 12 months and in rare instances, even longer.

What is coronial process?

The Coronial Process In most circumstances, the Coroner’s role is to review suspicious and accidental deaths; to identify the person who has died and to find out how their death occurred, including the cause and circumstances. The Coroner may ask you and/or others to give evidence at court as a witness.

How does a coronial inquest work?

What is a coronial inquest? A coronial inquest is an investigation into the cause of somebody’s death. The inquest itself is a court hearing in which the Coroner examines evidence in order to determine the cause of death.

What is a coronial inquest NSW?

Coroners ensure that all sudden, unexpected or unexplained deaths, suspected deaths, fires and explosions are properly investigated.

Can you appeal a coroners decision?

You may challenge a coroner’s decision or an inquest conclusion. If you decide to proceed, you need to make an application to the High Court for judicial review of the coroner’s decision or conclusion. You should do this as soon as possible and within three months of the end of the investigation.

Why would a death go to coroners court?

A death is reported to a Coroner in the following situations: a doctor did not treat the person during their last illness. a doctor did not see or treat the person for the condition from which they died within 28 days of death. the cause of death was sudden, violent or unnatural such as an accident, or suicide.

What is coronial jurisdiction?

The NSW coronial jurisdiction serves the community through investigating circumstances and causes of death in a respectful and professional manner. Further information about the coronial jurisdiction is available on the Coroners Court website.

Why does coroner take so long?

Further information is available from NSW Coroners Court about the: Role of the Coroner. Process for Coronial investigations. Counselling services for people affected by a death that is being investigated by the Coroner.

Why would a coronial inquest be held?

Coronial inquests most often occur when there is evidence of death in suspicious circumstances. However, the Coroners Court of New South Wales has a much wider jurisdiction than this, and is empowered to inquire into: Suspicious or sudden deaths, Deaths of children and the disabled.

What is a coronial report?

When a Coroner investigates a death or a fire or explosion, the court gathers a range of documents which make up the coronial file. However, individual documents in a coronial file are only available to persons or organisations with an appropriate interest in the coronial matter.

Can you challenge a coroners report?

You may challenge a coroner’s decision or an inquest conclusion. If you are thinking about doing this you should first seek advice from a lawyer with expertise in this area of the law.

What to expect during the coronial process in NSW?

For a more detailed overview, read What to expect during the Coronial Process. When a death is reported to the Coroner in NSW Police, medical, health and emergency professionals have a statutory obligation to report sudden and or unexplained deaths to the Coroner. When a report is made, the body of the deceased person is taken to the morgue.

What is involved in a coronial investigation?

Every coronial investigation is different. It is up to the Coroner to decide what kind of investigation is necessary. It may involve: specialist reports from experts and external investigators such as police, doctors, engineers and the fire brigade What happens once the investigation is complete?

Where can I find information about the coronial jurisdiction?

Further information about the coronial jurisdiction is available on the Coroners Court website. In Sydney, the State and senior Coroners are located at the Coroners Court in Lidcombe. In regional areas, Coroners sit as Magistrates in Local Courts around NSW.

Are all NSW magistrates coroners?

All NSW magistrates are coroners by virtue of their status: s 16. In the Sydney metropolitan area, coronial matters are always handled by the State Coroner and Deputy State Coroners (senior coroners) situated at the Lidcombe Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex.