Reasons for a Coroner’s Service

To detect and prevent foul play

In England and Wales, all violent and unnatural deaths and deaths the causes of which are either unknown or are in serious doubt, and all deaths of persons in custody, are reported to Coroners.

To determine trends in pathology and disease

Prompt and accurate certification of death is essential. It provides legal evidence of the fact and the causes of death and provides the raw data from which all mortality statistics are derived. These are vital for public health surveillance, for resource allocation in the NHS and for a wide range of research – and thus ultimately for improving the health of the population.

To adjudicate on whether a suicide has taken place

This may have significant legal and financial implications for the family concerned on mortgages, life insurance and so forth.

To provide reassurance and support to families and next of kin

Knowing how and why someone died – especially after protracted illness in hospital when it has been disputed whether the treatment was right and proper, or in cases of mental illness – can be crucial for the family and the Coroners’ service carries out no more important role than providing secure and understandable reasons for cause of death.

To act as an inquiry agency for issues of public safety

More and more the Coroner’s Inquests are being used as sounding platforms in issues where public interest is high. Some Inquests are taking 6 or more months at a time e.g. Train crashes. Although it is still the case that the Coroner’s inquest is not a court of blame.

Page last updated on: 20/04/2006