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What happens at an inquest?

In relatively straightforward cases the Coroner may decide that all the information required can be supplied in documentary form and there is no necessity for witnesses to be called.

In the more complex cases witnesses are summonsed to attend and questioned firstly by the coroner and then by “properly interested persons” or their legal representatives. Anyone who believes that they themselves have helpful information should inform the Coroner. Also, anyone who believes that a particular witness should be called should pass this information to the Coroner. If necessary witnesses can be compelled to attend.

The list of persons with a “proper interest” includes:

the parent, child, spouse or legal personal representative of the deceased

person or persons who may have a responsibility for the death

a beneficiary of an insurance policy relating to the deceased

representatives of any relevant insurance company

a representative from a relevant trade union (employment related deaths)

representatives of enforcement authorities

the police

other persons whom the coroner considers to have a legitimate interest in the inquest

Where an inquest has a jury the Coroner sums up the evidence and draws the jury's attention to possible verdicts. It is for the jury to decide their verdict. There are a number of possible verdicts which include natural causes, accidental death, misadventure, suicide, unlawful killing, lawful killing, industrial disease or narrative. If the evidence fails to disclose the means whereby the death occured, then an open verdict would be recorded.