Schedules
Schedule 10Investigation by Chief Coroner or Coroner for Treasure or by judge, former judge or former coroner
Investigation by judge, former judge or former coroner
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1
If requested to do so by the Chief Coroner, the Lord Chief Justice may nominate a person within sub-paragraph (2) to conduct an investigation into a person's death.
2
A person is within this sub-paragraph if at the time of the nomination he or she is—
a
a judge of the High Court,
b
a Circuit judge, or
c
a person who has held office as a judge of the Court of Appeal or of the High Court (but no longer does so),
and is under the age of 75.
3
The Chief Coroner may request a person who at the time of the request—
a
has held office as a senior coroner (but no longer does so), and
b
is under the age of 75,
to conduct an investigation into a person's death.
4
If a person nominated or requested under this paragraph agrees to conduct the investigation—
a
that person is under a duty to do so;
b
that person has the same functions in relation to the body and the investigation as would be the case if he or she were a senior coroner in whose area the body was situated;
c
no senior coroner, area coroner or assistant coroner has any functions in relation to the body or the investigation.
5
Accordingly a reference in a statutory provision (whenever made) to a coroner is to be read, where appropriate, as including a person who has been nominated or requested under this paragraph to conduct an investigation and has agreed to do so.
6
The Lord Chief Justice must consult the Lord Chancellor before making a nomination under this paragraph.