Role of the coroner
Where a death has occurred in violent, unnatural or suspicious circumstances then the doctor is required to report it to the police, who in turn report it to the coroner. Examples include:
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where the cause of death is unknown
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if the death is unnatural or violent
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the death appears to be a suicide
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if the person died while under anaesthetic or during an operation
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If the person died in an institution, in prison or in police custody
The coroner has wide discretion to make inquiries and investigate deaths. The coroner must establish the cause of death and will often require a post mortem examination or autopsy. The post-mortem examination will be carried out by a pathologist (a specially qualified doctor).
A coroner may hold a public inquiry, known as an inquest, to establish the facts of a death. An inquest is must be held the death appears to be a suicide or occurred while the person was detained in an institution, in police custody or in prison. An inquest may be held where:
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the death may have been due to the actions of another person
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there are allegations, suspicions or public concern about the death
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drawing attention to the circumstances may reduce the likelihood of other deaths
Evidence surrounding the death is presented in open court. An inquest is a fact finding exercise, rather than a method of assigning guilt.
For more information visit www.courts.govt.nz/courts/coroners.html
Post-mortems (or autopsies)
A post-mortem examination may be undertaken to establish the cause of death. If a coroner orders a post-mortem examination then the funeral can proceed only after the coroner has signed the burial order.
In deciding whether or not to order a post-mortem the coroner will consider:
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the likelihood of revealing useful information
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any distress to the family because of religious beliefs
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allegations or suspicions about the cause of death
A post-mortem involves checking for injuries and inspection of internal organs. If it is necessary to retain any organs the coroner must notify the family.
The body will be released for burial or cremation when the medical cause of death has been established and the certificates issued. Usually bodies are released within 24 hours. There may be delays over weekends and public holidays.
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