Anaesthetist's guide to the Coroner's Court in England and Wales

Abstract

### Key points Coroners have been part of the English Legal System since 1194 and have evolved from being a form of mediaeval tax gatherer to an independent judicial officer charged with the investigation of sudden, violent, or unnatural death. In the last 800 yr, the role of the coroner has changed substantially culminating in The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (enacted July 2013). This is the result of many reports leading to fundamental reform of the Coronial service (Table 1). The reforms were instigated following the Luce report 20031 and the Shipman inquiry (The Shipman Inquiry) led by Dame Janet Smith. Coronial reform has been on the political agenda for many years but the UK's financial situation delayed the implementation. This article will update anaesthetists with the information needed to understand the reforms and to be able to understand what will be required if called as a witness at an inquest. View this table: Table 1 Key points from the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 The new legal framework will ensure all 96 coronial jurisdictions in England and Wales will work to the same standards, ending the past inconsistencies of practice that led to criticisms of a postcode lottery with bereaved people in some areas facing long delays for inquests. Coronial services are now being overseen by the first Chief Coroner of England and Wales, …