Coroners' court & reporting inquests- ML 1

What are inquests?

fact-finding court hearings for deaths that appear unknown or violent or unnatural. They investigate the reason for certain deaths, are fact finding and do not apportion blame. Coroners’ court also determine if fund historical objects should be classed as treasure.

What are coroners?

Independent judicial office holders who investigate and explain certain kinds of deaths. The presside over inquests, lead proceedings and call evidence. A Jury (7-11) must decide the verdict in workplace deaths, issues of public health and safety and deaths in police custody or prison.

What happens with inquests?

An inquest is opened and adjourned to confirm the deceased’s identity and gather evidence: journalists can attend.

Full Inquests?

Held later and journalists can attend.

Rule 11 of coroners (inquest)

Rule allows the coroner to exclude the media and public for whole or part of the inquest hearing in the interests of national security.

Rule 13 of coroners (inquest)

Dictates that all inquest hearings must be recorded.

Inquest conclusions and types (4)?

Are short form categorising decisions on the cause of death: types include road traffic collision, misadventure, suicide and unlawful killing.

Does absolute privilege apply?

Can apply to inquests if they are fair, accurate and contemporaneous reporting.

Discretionary S39 order (CYPA)

Coroners can impose it to ban ID of anyone under 18 concerned in the proceedings but not for dead children.

How can journalists report inquests?

Can live text based communication for fair and accurate reporting silently. Coroners may permit journalists to audio record proceedings as an ‘aide memorie’ but not for broadcast. Journalists can request a copy of the audio recording of the proceeding as a ‘proper person’