What happens at an inquest?

The Coroner holds a medical/legal enquiry into the death of the deceased, but this is not a trial. It is however a public court hearing. The purpose of an inquest is to establish the identity of the deceased, when, where and how the death occurred and to establish the facts required by the Registrar. In some cases the Coroner will then adjourn the inquest and issue a form to allow the funeral to take place.

An inquest adjourned will be re-opened at a later date to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. This may involve witnesses being called, who are legally obliged to attend and may be penalised if they fail to do so.