The process differs slightly between Scotland and the rest of the UK, however the role of a coroner or a procurator fiscal is investigate reported deaths which are sudden or unexplained and to determine key facts such as who has died, when, where and how – the cause of death. They are usually lawyers (this is always the case in Scotland) but some may be doctors.

We all react differently when we hear the decision about the cause of death. Some feel that it is a helpful “milestone” and that they have received some answers or that they can progress. Others find it unsatisfactory, particularly if the outcome differs to their expectation or that it does not provide the answers they had hoped for.

The nature and length of the investigation will vary but it may include:

• A post mortem (autopsy)
• Medical history
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Personal effects of the person who has died

The investigation can be lengthy and the decision about cause of death may come many months after the person died and the death cannot be registered until then (the funeral can usually happen sooner, once the coroner has released the body). This can be a source of additional stress.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, an inquest will be held in order to reach a verdict on the cause of death. The inquest is held in a courtroom – however it is not a trial and it is not about seeking to blame anyone. Only a minority of inquests have a jury – this is when there are very specific circumstances. The inquest is a public hearing and anyone may attend – including the media. The information shared as part of the inquest can be quite technical e.g. toxicology reports. Sometimes the investigation will uncover information about the person who has died that the family and friends were unaware of.

The legal, formal and public nature of the inquest can feel very distressing for some people. It can be helpful if you can try to prepare yourself, here are some suggestions that others have found helpful:

• Find out more about what will happen. There are links to useful organisations below.
• Ask a friend or relative to support you throughout the process – as well as attending hearings, it can be helpful to have someone else to read communications and help make sense of the process.
• Keep in contact with your coroner’s office – make sure you are clear about dates and details.
• Don’t be afraid to call them – they can be very busy and unintentional oversights can happen.
• They are usually very helpful and accommodating if you contact them.
• Arrange to visit the courtroom and/or another inquest in advance of the hearing - it removes a small element of the unknown.
• Be prepared for the language, terminology and technical information that will be used.
• Prepare yourself for potential media involvement – see Media.

There are other resources which you may find helpful:

The Ministry of Justice produce the Guide to coroner services’ and coroner investigations. The Guide explains to bereaved people, and others who come into contact with a coroner service, what they can expect from the coroner’s investigation. It sets out the standards of service that they should receive and what they can do if they are not satisfied. It aims to help to make standards of service more transparent for coroners and bereaved people, as well as assisting the Chief Coroner in discharging his responsibility for overseeing coroner services. The guide is also available in a short edition and in Welsh.

INQUEST are a charity providing free advice to bereaved people facing an inquest (they have a focus on deaths in custody but also provide more general information including their handbook which is helpful “if someone you know has died, or you are helping someone you know deal with a death where an inquest is to be held, The Inquest Handbook will give you information about the inquest procedure and what will happen after a sudden, violent or unnatural death”.

For Northern Ireland, you can find information from the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service

In Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal will investigate any death which may be the result of intentional self harm and a post-mortem may be required. Once the investigation is complete, a death certificate (which will include the cause of death) is made available to the next of kin.

You may find it helpful to obtain more information about the process: