76525 Coronial Law and Practice

This subject deals with the role and powers of the State Coroner under the Coroners Act 1980 (NSW), and the procedures followed in coronial inquests. Policy issues in relation to the role of the Coroner and the impact of recommendations made by the Coroner as a result of findings at inquest are also considered. Additionally, the meaning of the 'manner and cause of death' in different factual situations is examined. The subject involves a visit to the Coroners Court and Sydney's Glebe Morgue.

Coronial Law and Practice includes the following broad topic areas.

• The powers and role of the Coroner.
• The role of police as Coroner's investigators.
• Inquest procedure.
• Deaths in custody and medical inquests.
• Coroner's recommendations and disaster management.

This subject aims to provide an understanding of:

• the role and powers of the State Coroner under the Coroners Act 1980
• the procedure and rules of evidence followed in coronial inquests, and
• an awareness of the broader legal system context in which the Coroner's Court operates.