Giving evidence 

When the time comes to give your evidence, the Coroner will call you to the witness table and ask you to give an oath or make an affirmation.  If you have mobility problems and so would prefer to give evidence from where you are sitting, that is usually fine, please just let the court clerk know in advance.  

The Coroner will ask you questions that arise from your witness statement.  Please don't worry if you don't remember exactly what you said at the time - it is not a memory test.  You will have the chance to add, confirm or explain anything you wish.   At some inquests, after the Coroner has asked any questions that they have, there may be other people in court who are allowed to ask you questions next.  These will generally be family members and professionals working for an organisation that had contact with the deceased.

An inquest is a fact-finding inquiry; it does not deal with issues of liability or blame.  This means that any questions you are asked will be straightforward and factual and will be asked in a respectful way.

Once you have finished giving your evidence, the Coroner will indicate to you that you are free leave court.  You should not leave court without that permission.  However, you may also choose to stay to watch the rest of the Inquest.