The Coroner's role

A Coroner examines unnatural or violent deaths, where the cause of death is unknown, or because the death took place in prison, police custody or another type of state detention, such as a mental health hospital. 

In Jersey, the role of Coroner is performed by the Viscount,  the Deputy Viscount or another professional who is appointed as a Viscount Substitute. All of the Coroners working in Jersey have been trained to investigate deaths working together with the police, doctors and other specialists.

When a death is reported:

• the Coroner decides whether an inquest is needed;

• if needed, the Coroner leads the inquest to establish the identity of the person who has died; how, when, and where they died; and any information needed to register the death; and

• may use information discovered during the inquest to help prevent other deaths.

 An inquest is a fact-finding inquiry in a court and is not a criminal investigation. The Coroner cannot blame individuals or organisations or find them responsible for the death. That will be for the criminal or civil courts. If there is a criminal investigation or trial in relation to a death that will usually be completed before the inquest.

The Coroner can also write a report to help prevent future deaths. They will send this report to the persons who the Coroner thinks can take action to prevent such deaths.