Coroner
One of twenty-three terms in the resource centre
The coroner is the judicial officer who investigates a death in England when it was unexpected, unexplained, violent or unnatural, or happened in custody or under state care. A doctor, the police or a hospital reports the death, and the coroner decides whether an investigation is needed at all.
What the coroner does
- Assessment: the coroner's office is told of the death and decides whether to open an investigation. Many deaths reported to the coroner are closed at this stage, and the doctor certifies the cause.
- Post-mortem examination: where the cause is unclear, the coroner orders one. A pathologist carries it out, and the family is told when it will happen and when it is complete.
- Inquest: where the facts still need establishing, a court hearing is held. Witnesses may be called, and in some cases a jury sits with the coroner.
- Conclusion: the coroner records how the person died. Natural causes, accident, suicide and unlawful killing are among the conclusions available.
- Release: once the coroner no longer needs to keep your loved one, they are released to the family for a burial or a cremation.
What the coroner does for a repatriation
Every repatriation out of England and Wales goes through the coroner, whatever the cause of death. The funeral director or the next of kin gives notice on Form 104, and the coroner acknowledges it, which is the paper that allows your loved one to leave England. The notice must be given at least four clear days before the coffin travels, though the coroner can shorten that in practice. We give the notice and collect the acknowledgement as part of the paperwork for every repatriation from the UK, so the family does not deal with the coroner's office directly unless they want to.
Read next
If the coroner has been told about a death in your family, read what happens when the coroner is involved. For a loved one going home from England or Wales, the notice to the coroner is one step in sending someone home from the UK, and we give it for you as part of every repatriation.
Related terms: Post-mortem examination and Death certificate legalisation. Every term, explained.
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