EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
These Rules regulate the practice and procedure relating to inquests conducted as part of an investigation into a death under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”). These Rules set out the procedure for managing the proceedings at an inquest and make provision relating to the disclosure of documents at an inquest and provision relating to inquests heard with a jury.
Part 1 of the 2009 Act introduces a new regime for death investigations and inquests, which replaces the Coroners Act 1988 and the Coroners Rules 1984. Under the 2009 Act a coroner must conduct an investigation into violent or unnatural deaths, deaths where the cause is unknown and deaths which occur in custody or otherwise in state detention. In certain cases this investigation will include the coroner holding an inquest.
These Rules form part of a package of new rules and regulations made under the 2009 Act which come into force at the same time as the 2009 Act. The Coroners (Investigation) Regulations 2013 regulate the practice and procedure relating to investigations and the Coroners Allowances, Fees and Expenses Regulations 2013 set out the allowances, fees and expenses payable in relation to investigations and inquests.