Coroner

Coroner

·        Has the status of a district court judge

·        To initiate a coroners case, report the death to the police (who act as the coroner‟s investigating agents)

·        Must refer a death to the coroner if:

o  No known cause, suicide, unnatural or violent

o  No certificate issued

o  Died undergoing medical, surgical or dental procedure

o  Detained under A&D Act, committed or in prison

o  Child in CYPS or foster care

·        Coroner can order an autopsy and/or hold an inquest

·        Other court settings: District or High court

o  Expert witness can give an opinion, ordinary witness can only recount facts 

o  Don‟t take sides, be fair, stick to what you know, use notes taken on the occasion (with the permission of the judge)