Births, marriages, deaths and nationality Information for witnesses and other visitors

The media

Almost all inquests take place in open court and members of the press and media have the right to attend and to report on proceedings. 

There are two exceptions that occur very rarely:

  1. The Coroner makes an order excluding the press and public from court while hearing evidence that may affect national security, for example specific information about military or police tactics.
  2. The Coroner makes an order preventing the publication of information that may lead to a living minor (usually the child of a deceased person) being identified.

We always ask reporters to be sensitive to the wishes of bereaved families and respect their decision on whether they want to answer questions or make a statement.

Court staff will not give out any information about a deceased person, except to confirm whether an inquest has been opened, and the date and time of the hearing.  

The court diary gives the court schedule at least 4 weeks ahead. 

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