Can I Attend an Inquest?

All inquests are public and anyone can attend. Reports of an inquest may be published in national and local newspapers, but in practice only a minority of inquests are actually reported. You can get a copy of an inquest report from the Coroner's Office when the inquest has concluded.

Can I attend a coroners inquest?

Inquests are held in open court. That means that any friends and family of the deceased are welcome. The Coroner will often require one particular member of the family to attend. This will be the person who made the background statement to the Police, which means it may not be the closest relative or next of kin.

Do I have to attend an inquest?

The inquest is held in open court, which means that any member of the public may attend, as well as the media. Witnesses (for example a doctor, police officer or eyewitnesses) may be asked to attend to give evidence. The coroner decides who to call.