Coroners Act 2006

Question 1

List the facts that need to be established at an Inquest?

Answer 1

• The fact that a person has died
• The identity of the deceased
• The cause of death
• Where and when the death occurred
• The circumstances of the death

Question 2

Outline the functions of the coroner, under the Coroners Act 2006.

Answer 2

The coroner is appointed to enquire into the death of any person to establish

• That a person has died
• The person identity
• Where and when the person died
• The causes of the death
• The circumstances of the death
• Make comments or recommendations that reduce the chances of death occurring in similar circumstances.
• Determine whether the public interest would be served by the death being investigated by other authorities.

Question 3

When is an inquest is required?

Answer 3

• Suicide
• Any institutional deaths
• Any death the coroner is not satisfied that the cause or circumstances have been clearly established.

Question 4

State what types of death must be reported to the Coroner?

Answer 4

SCUMBIE

• Suicide
• Cause unknown or no Drs Certificate issued
• Unnatural or violent death-Medical/surgical/dental operation or procedure
• Birth deaths or deaths that appear to be a result of pregnancy or childbirth
• Institutional deaths - deaths in psychiatric hospital/prison/ police custody.
• Enactment that requires the holding of an inquest. (Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989/ Corrections Act 1952 & Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971)