Procedures |
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Inquests
An inquest (formal hearing) must be held where:
Witnesses may be called and questioned on oath, or the Coroner may receive documentary evidence only.
Your rights (if any) to see documents or to obtain copy documents (for a fee), to attend an inquest, to be represented by a lawyer will be explained if you contact a Coroners Officer before the day of inquest. This is necessary to enable sufficient time to comply with any requests where appropriate.
Deceased persons are normally taken to the mortuary at the Royal Hobart Hospital or Launceston General Hospital. The Coroners Office can assist in advising where the deceased person is currently located. They will also advise as to when the deceased person may be released for the purpose of a funeral service.
If there are any questions you have concerning the death of your loved one, do not hesitate to contact the Coroners Office.
The Coroner and coronial staff may not be able to speculate about the cause of death until enquires have been completed.
In most cases the attending police officer and/or the Mortuary Ambulance Officer will have a relative or friend identify the deceased to them at the place of death.
In some instances it will be necessary for a deceased person to be identified at the Mortuary and anyone who knew the deceased well, can confirm the identity for the Coroner. If you are a close relative and the only person who can do so, you may wish to be accompanied by a friend.
Where it is necessary for the deceased to be identified at the Mortuary the officers concerned will endeavour to minimise the unsettling effects as much as possible. Viewing usually takes place through a glass panel showing only as much as is necessary to ensure identification.
A suitable time and place is set for identification by arrangement or at the request of the Coroners Office. It is helpful if the identifying person attends with details of the deceased noted down, such as, full name and address, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, number and sex of any children and parents names.
An autopsy is an external/internal examination of body organs conducted to establish the cause of death.
It is normal for the pathologist to retain blood and or tissue for examination. However, in some cases whole organs are retained for further examination to determine or confirm the cause of death. This can take several weeks to complete and could affect funeral arrangements. Any concerns you have in this area should be discussed with your Funeral Director, Coroners Officer or Grief Counsellor.
An autopsy will normally be ordered by the Coroner if a medical practitioner will not issue a medical certificate as to the cause of death.
The senior next-of-kin may object in writing to an autopsy being performed. The objection must be made as soon as possible after death. If an objection is being considered telephone contact should be made with the Coroners Office immediately no matter what time of the day or night. Staff will be able to advise you of your rights and obligations in relation to this.
In order to determine the circumstances and the cause of death, inquiries are made of all witnesses and any treating doctor, where appropriate.
The average time for an investigation can be 3-4 months but some matters can be twelve months or more. Delays can be due to witnesses overseas; awaiting expert witness reports; work load of investigating officers; annual leave; unable to locate witness; person has been charged with a criminal offence and the inquest is adjourned pending the Criminal Court hearing.
The Coroner records his finding at the conclusion of the investigation and/or inquest. A copy of the finding will be forwarded to the senior next-of-kin. If you have any further enquiry please contact your nearest Coroners Office.
If you desire the assistance of a Grief Counsellor please make contact with your nearest Coroners Office and arrangements can be made.
If you consider you need legal advice or indeed legal aid you should consult the telephone directory for assistance.
The following numbers may be of help:
The Law Society of Tasmania (03) 6234 4133 or 1800 001 180;
Aboriginal Legal Aid (03) 6234 3955: and
The Legal Aid Commission (03) 6230 0900.
Application of these certificates can be made at your nearest Service Tasmania Shop. Details of the shop closest to you can be provided by telephoning 1300 366773 or click here for the locations and the application form
The Coroners Office may be able to assist if there is a problem obtaining a certificate.
The Coroners staff cannot recommend a funeral director. If you contact a funeral director with your instructions he will then liaise with the Coroners Office to see that your wishes are met as soon and as far as possible. Usually the body of the deceased person is released after one day but sometimes delays may be unavoidable. Sometimes the Coroner may prevent a cremation of a deceased person and require burial in case there is need for further investigation.
If footwear or clothing are soiled, damaged or wet they will be disposed of immediately. A phone call to the Coroners Office or the Police Property Officer will explain what has happened to this clothing and whether other property may be collected or not.