Coroners Act 1988

7 Functions of deputy coroners

(1) A deputy coroner may act for his coroner in the following cases but no others, namely—

(a) during the illness of the coroner;

(b) during the coroner’s absence for any lawful or reasonable cause; or

(c) at an inquest for the holding of which the coroner is disqualified.

(2) Where a coroner vacates office, his deputy—

(a) shall continue in office until a new deputy is appointed;

(b) shall act as coroner while the office remains vacant; and

(c) shall be entitled to receive in respect of the period of the vacancy the same remuneration as the vacating coroner.

(3) An assistant deputy coroner—

(a) may act as coroner where the deputy coroner would be entitled to act as coroner but is unable so to act owing to illness or absence for any reasonable cause; and

(b) where the coroner vacates office, may act for the deputy coroner in like manner while the office of coroner is vacant.

(4) In relation to an inquest or act which he is authorised to hold or to do, a deputy or assistant deputy to a coroner shall—

(a) have the same jurisdiction and powers;

(b) be subject to the same obligations, liabilities and disqualifications; and

(c) generally be subject to the provisions of this Act and the law relating to coroners in the same manner,

as if he were the coroner.