Deputy coroners
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.