25/07/2013

New Code Of Standards For Coroners Introduced

A new code of standards for coroners in England and Wales has come into effect today following complaints that families could wait years for a hearing.

Under the new legal framework, introduced by the Ministry of Justice, inquests should be completed within six months or "or as soon as is reasonably practicable". Any inquest that is predicted to take longer than a year are to be reported to the new chief coroner, Judge Peter Thornton.

Coroners are called to investigate the medical cause of death should it appear to be unnatural, resulting from violence, happens in custody or is otherwise unknown. They aim to establish who has died and the how, when and where.

Under the new rules all 96 coroners across England and Wales will be expected to undertake mandatory training.

(MH/CD)

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