What you need to know if you are attending the Coroners Courts
Timings
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled inquest hearing. This will give time for the court usher to meet you, take your details and answer any questions you may have.
Changes to hearing timings will be notified to Interested Persons. All other attendees are recommended to check listings prior to travel to Court via the website at wsbhcoroners.org.uk.
Please note that the Coroner’s Court may have multiple cases listed each day and therefore timings may vary to those listed. The Court usher will keep you updated.
Court behaviour
Whilst the Coroner's court is an appropriately formal environment, there are slightly different practical aspects to other Courts in that the Coroner will speak directly to families and does not wear a wig and gown.
The dress code is smart casual. Casual clothes such as vests and shorts are not appropriate. The expectation is the same whether attending the hearing in person or by way of a remote link.
There are a few protocols and customs, such as standing when the coroner enters and leaves court, but the court clerk will let you know what to do. Please address the coroner as ‘Sir' or 'Ma'am. The coroner fully understands that most relatives will have no experience of court proceedings.
The Coroner’s Court is open to the public which means anyone can attend including the press.
No mobile phones are permitted to be used in the Coroner’s Court and must be switched off or placed into silent mode throughout the hearing.
If you would like to visit the Coroners Court in advance of an Inquest to observe proceedings or if you have any questions about the hearing, then please contact the Coroner’s office who will be able to assist you.
Children
If a young person wants to attend a close relative's inquest, this will be at the coroner’s discretion. Please contact the Coroner’s Office in advance so that the coroner can consider their attendance.
As a guide, we strongly recommend that children under 14 do not attend the Coroner’s Court. We advise that children between 14 and 18 do not attend because of the emotional and upsetting circumstances. Some evidence might be difficult to hear or fully understand and have a long-term impact. This applies equally whether the hearing is being conducted in person or by way of a video link.
The coroner may allow babies into the courtroom at their discretion, mindful that the court needs to conduct its business in an appropriately professional way. Children may not be left unattended in our waiting room or areas adjacent to the court.
Court accessibility
Our courts all have step-free access and hearing loops available. Please let us know in advance should you require the hearing loops or if you have any other access needs.
Food and drink
There are water dispensers available at all Courts for Court users.
There is no food provision available within the Coroner’s Court buildings, but all Courts are located within a 5–10-minute walk of amenities.
No food or drink or containers (other than water from paper cups) may be brought into or consumed within the Coroner’s Courts. Similarly for those online food and drink (apart from water) must not be consumed when the Court is in session and your camera is on.
Waiting areas
Each Court has a public waiting area. There is a separate family room at County Hall North in Horsham which families can use. There are no separate rooms available at Woodvale.
Toilets
All Courts have toilet facilities which can be accessed by Court users.
Coroners Court Support Service
The West Sussex and Brighton and Hove Coroner Service is lucky to have the support of The Coroners’ Courts Support Service (CCSS) in both the Horsham and Brighton Court centres.
The Coroners’ Courts Support Service is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court.
Volunteers run our national helpline offering emotional and practical support to anyone following the death which has resulted in the death being reported to the coroner. They can offer free and confidential advice about the Inquest process, over the phone or via email. Their contact details are telephone: 03001112141 or helpline@ccss.org.uk. The helpline is open 9.00 – 6.00pm.