Attending a Coroner’s inquest
If you are required to attend court, you will either attend in person or remotely using Microsoft Teams.
The coroner conducting the case will decide how the inquest should proceed.
Attendance and participation
Inquest hearings are public hearings, so anyone can attend in person or apply for permission to attend remotely.
The press and public are not permitted to take any part in the hearing, whether attending in person or remotely.
Due to the ongoing pressure on the NHS, it is usual for the coroner to hear from medical witnesses remotely, as this allows them to get back to patient care as soon as possible.
Witnesses
The coroner decides what order witnesses will give their evidence in. The coroner’s investigator will be able to tell you the order that witnesses will be called.
Family members will usually be asked to give evidence first.
Once the coroner has heard all the evidence, lawyers acting for interested persons (usually the deceased's immediate family and those directly involved in the death) can make any further, legal points that are relevant to the coroner's decision.
Conclusion
At the end of the inquest, the coroner will give a summary of the evidence they have heard and state their findings (conclusions).
After an inquest
Following an inquest, the coroner will send the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages a certificate, so that they can:
- register the death
- produce a death certificate
Further information
More information for witnesses, interested persons and legal representatives:
- Protocol for remote hearings
- Remote hearings - quick reference guide
- Remote hearings - welcome slide
- Microsoft Teams - user guide
You can read more information about coroner services and coroner investigations on GOV.UK.
Page last updated: 4 June 2024
