When a death is reported to the coroner

Information about investigations, inquests and post mortems

If a jury is needed

The coroner will often reach a conclusion alone, but sometimes a jury is needed. For example:

  • if the person died in custody
  • if the person’s death was linked to their own, or someone else’s, actions at work
  • certain health and safety issues

If there is a jury, the coroner will hear all the evidence and give the jury a choice of conclusions. The jury will then make their own findings.

More information

For detailed information on coroner services, see Section 5 of the Guide to coroner services on GOV.UK.