Coronial Investigation
Coronial Investigation
A coronial investigation is the investigation carried out by a Coroner when a death is required to be reported under Queensland’s coronial system. Its purpose is to establish who the person was, when and where they died, how they died and, where possible, the medical cause of death.
Why an investigation happens. Not every death is investigated by a coroner. A death is reported when it falls within one of the categories of Reportable Death established by Queensland law. Once a reportable death is reported, the coroner controls and coordinates the investigation, with police and other agencies assisting as required.
What the investigation can involve. Depending on the circumstances, the investigation may include police enquiries, obtaining medical records and witness statements, identification of the person, a preliminary medical examination, Autopsy, toxicology, histology, imaging or other specialist testing. The coroner decides what level of investigation is necessary for the particular death.
The person may be released before the investigation is finished. A common misunderstanding is that the funeral cannot take place until the entire coronial investigation is complete. This is not generally the case. Once the person has been formally identified and any necessary examination has been completed, the coroner may authorise their release for Burial or Cremation while the wider investigation continues.
This means a family may have a funeral, burial or cremation and then continue to wait for the outcome of the coronial investigation.
Investigations take time. Some investigations can be completed relatively quickly, particularly where the circumstances are straightforward. Others can take several months or considerably longer. Queensland’s Coroners Court specifically notes that the time required depends on the complexity and circumstances of each case. Specialist testing and autopsy reports can themselves take several months to complete.
The outcome may come long after the funeral. A family may therefore receive the person’s ashes, have a burial and hold their funeral, and still be waiting for the coroner’s findings much later. In complex cases, investigations can remain open for years. Queensland’s coronial system recognises matters more than 24 months old as part of its backlog reporting, demonstrating that some investigations extend well beyond the ordinary expectation of a matter being resolved within months.
An inquest is not automatic. Most coronial investigations are finalised without an Inquest. After completing the investigation, the coroner considers whether an inquest is necessary. Very few investigations proceed to one, although an inquest may be required in particular circumstances or held where the coroner considers it appropriate or in the public interest.
The final findings. Once the investigation is complete, the coroner makes written findings about the identity of the deceased, when, where and how they died and the cause of death where it can be established. If an inquest is held, the coroner may also make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
A finding is not a criminal verdict. A coronial investigation is not a criminal trial. The coroner does not determine that someone is guilty of an offence or civilly liable. If the investigation identifies matters that may require action by another authority, the coroner can refer them to the appropriate body.
The family is kept informed. A nominated family member is generally contacted by the Coroners Court and provided with information about the investigation. A case manager may provide updates while the investigation is underway, although the amount of time between updates can vary depending on what is happening with the investigation.
A coronial investigation is therefore a process that can continue well beyond the funeral itself. The person’s funeral arrangements may be completed relatively soon, while police enquiries, medical testing, expert reports and the coroner’s consideration of the evidence continue in the background. The eventual findings may provide answers months or, in some cases, years after the death.