Opening an Inquest

The Coroner must open an Inquest as soon as possible after a relevant death. The ‘opening’ is a very brief public hearing in the Coroners Court.  The Inquest will usually then be adjourned to a later date to allow time for further investigation and information gathering.  

The ‘opening’ is a formal procedure that normally takes no more than few minutes. Often a number of inquests will be ‘opened’ at the same hearing.  It is not necessary for the bereaved to attend the opening of an Inquest, but they are always welcome to do so.