Before the hearing 

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the hearing is due to start.   Before the Inquest starts, the court clerk will meet with you and briefly explain the court procedure to you.  The clerk will ask you if you prefer to take a religious oath (on a holy book of your choice) or make a non-religious ‘affirmation’ which is a solemn promise that you will give true evidence. 

You will then be taken through into the court room.  It is a public hearing and so witnesses usually will be permitted to watch the proceedings before and after they give their own evidence.