- Overview
The coroner is a judicial officer responsible for investigating deaths that occur under certain circumstances. They play a crucial role in determining the cause and manner of death when it cannot be easily established.
- When the Coroner is Involved
Unknown Cause
When the cause of death cannot be established by a doctor
A Violent/Unnatural Death
Deaths resulting from violerice, accidents, or suspicious circumstances
Death in Detention
Deaths occurring in police custody, prison, or other detention facilities
Medical Procedure/Sepsis
Deaths related to medical procedures or sepsis complications
Coroner's Duties
In cases where death is from natural causes and can be certified by a doctor, the coroner has no duty to investigate. The death certificate can be issued directly by the attending physician.
The coroner may discuss the case with the deceased’s doctor to clarify circumstances and determine if further investigation is necessary. This often resolves cases without formal proceedings.
When required, the coroner will order a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. This involves a detailed medical examination by a qualified pathologist.
In complex cases, the coroner will hold an inquest – a formal legal hearing to establish the facts surrounding the death, including who died, when, where, and how they came by their death.
Post Mortem
A post-mortem (autopsy) is a medical examination of the body after death, carried out by a pathologist to determine the cause of death. This page explains when it may be required and what the process involves.
A post-mortem examination is a medical procedure performed after death to:
- Determine the exact cause of death
- Identify any diseases or medical conditions
- Gather evidence for legal proceedings when required
- Provide information that may help other family members understand inherited conditions
Provide information that may help other family members understand inherited conditions
A post-mortem may be required in several circumstances:
Coroner-Ordered Post-Mortems:
- Determine the exact cause of death
- Identify any diseases or medical conditions
- Gather evidence for legal proceedings when required
- Provide information that may help other family members understand inherited conditions
Hospital Post-Mortems:
- To understand the effectiveness of treatment
- For medical research and education (with family consent).
- To provide additional information about inherited conditions
Coroner Post-Mortems:
- No family consent required – ordered by law
- Usually completed within 2-3 working days
- Family will be notified of the date and time
- Results typically available within 2-4 weeks
Hospital Post-Mortems:
- Requires written consent from next of kin
- Can be limited to specific areas of examination
- Family can specify any religious or cultural requirements
- Can be declined without affecting funeral arrangements
Important Timescales:
- In 2022, 95% of post-mortems were completed within 3 working days
- Complex cases may take longer
- Toxicology results can take 6-8 weeks
- Final reports may take several weeks to complete
- Complete examination of all body systems
- External and internal examination
- May include removal of organs for detailed study
- Most comprehensive type of examination
- Usually required for coroner cases
- Focuses on specific areas or organs
- Can exclude certain body regions if not relevant
- Common for hospital post-mortems with family consent
- Allows for cultural or religious considerations
- Required when death may be due to criminal activity
- Conducted by specialist forensic pathologists
- More detailed examination and documentation
- May take longer to complete
- Results may be used in criminal proceedings
- Uses advanced imaging instead of physical examination
- May be suitable for certain types of deaths
- Preserves the body without any incisions
- Limited availability – not suitable for all cases
- Decision made by the pathologist or coroner
- Additional tests that may be required:
- Histology: Microscopic examination of tissue samples
- Toxicology: Testing for drugs, alcohol, or poisons
- Results can take 6-12 weeks
- May be essential for determining cause of death
- Small tissue samples are retained for testing
Histology & Toxicology:
Additional tests that may be required:
- Histology: Microscopic examination of tissue samples
- Toxicology: Testing for drugs, alcohol, or poisons
- Results can take 6-12 weeks
- May be essential for determining cause of death
- Small tissue samples are retained for testing
Coroner Post-Mortems:
- All costs are covered by the state
- No charge to the family
- Includes the examination and initial tests
- Additional specialist tests may be required and are also covered
Hospital Post-Mortems:
- Usually no cost to the family
- Covered by NHS hospital budgets
- May contribute to medical research and training
Private Post-Mortems:
- Can be arranged privately in some circumstances
- Costs very significantly (£3,000-£10,000+)
- May be covered by insurance in some cases
- Requires approval from coroner if death is under investigation
Additional Considerations:
- Transportation costs are typically covered
- Body storage during examination is included
- Copies of reports may incur small administrative fees
- Legal representation costs are separate if required
2022 Statistics: Approximately 28% of deaths in England and Wales required a coroner’s investigation, with the majority resolved without the need for an inquest.
MBCOL provides support and guidance for families going through these processes
Please contact us if you need help or further information.
Leicester Coroner
The coroner is a judicial officer who investigates sudden or unexplained deaths. Leicester’s Coroner’s Office determines the cause and circumstances of death to support families with clarity.
The attending practitioner or medical examiner determines which deaths need to be referred.
Important: Only provisional funeral arrangements should be made until paperwork is issued by the registrar or coroner.
Deaths are referred to the coroner for the following reasons:
- Death was unexpected and the doctor is unsure of the precise cause
- No attending practitioner available to complete the MCCD
- Legal reasons require investigation (e.g., following an accident)
No Action
- Doctor issues cause of death certificate
- Death can be registered
Investigation
- Doctor issues cause of death certificate
- Death can be registered
Inquest
- Death not registered until inquest completed
- Body may be released before inquest
- Interim death certificates may be issued and are accepted by some organisations
H.M Coroner
Town Hall, Leicester LE1 9BG
Tel: 0116 454 1030
- When an Inquest is Required
An inquest is a formal legal hearing held by the coroner to investigate deaths in the following circumstances:
Deaths that appear to be violent or unnatural
Deaths where the cause is unknown
Deaths in custody or detention
Deaths that may have been caused by an act or omission
- Duration & Adjournment
2022 Statistics
erage inquest duration: 30 weeks from opening to conclusion
inquests may be adjourned for various reasons including pending criminal proceedings, additional evidence gathering, or scheduling conflicts. The coroner will keep interested parties informed of any delays.
- Certificates
Interim Death Certificate
When an inquest is opened, an interim death certificate can be issued to allow for practical matters such as funeral arrangements and insurance claims. The final death certificate is issued after the inquest concludes.
- Requirements
For deaths occurring outside the country, the following documentation is typically required:
- Requirements
Normal Processing
1-2 working days
For straightforward cases where all documentation is complete and no investigation is required.
Extended Processing
Longer timeframe
When investigation or post-mortem examination is required, processing time will be extended accordingly.