Coroner's Office for Gateshead and South Tyneside
The inquest process
An inquest must be held as part of an investigation into certain deaths.
A coroner must open an inquest into a death if they suspect that the death was due to anything other than natural causes, or happened in prison or other type of state detention.
An inquest is a public court hearing held by the coroner, to find out:
- who died
- when and where the death happened
- how the death happened
The coroner will:
- confirm the information needed to register the death
- confirm the medical cause of death
- come to a conclusion based on the evidence
An inquest cannot deal with issues of blame or criminal / civil liability. These can be addressed in other courts if necessary.
Some inquests may be dealt with in writing (i.e. without a hearing in court).
For information and the latest guidelines around remote observations by the public and the media, please read the Chief Coroner's Guidance NO.42 remote hearings (PDF).
Any applications must be made in writing to the Senior Coroner no later than 12noon on the day before proceedings, and must include reasons why remote access should be granted.