The coronial investigation process for unexpected and unnatural deaths

The office of the coroner was established in England in 1194, and was adopted in Australia at the time of settlement. The role of coroners was refined significantly during this period, and today the role of Australian coroners has centred on the investigation of unnatural and unexpected deaths. These investigations culminate in a written finding or determination that must state identity, cause of death and, for some cases, the circumstances of the death. This paper describes the typical key processes that comprise the coroner’s investigation into an external cause death.