Information gathering and raising concerns
When a Coroner opens an inquest, a file of paper evidence will be collected. Different types of evidence are needed depending on the circumstances of the death.
Antecedent statement
The Coroner often asks for a statement about the Deceased's personal background and any information that is known about their health and this is called an Antecedent statement. A Police Coroner's Officer will take the statement either face-to-face or over the phone but it is not always the next of kin that makes this statement as the Officer will speak with whoever is best able to provide the information and feels able to cope with doing so.
Concerns
If the family have concerns about the circumstances of the Deceased's death, they should raise them as soon as possible with a member of the Coroners Team and preferably when making the Antecedent statement. Alternately, they may write separately to the Coroner stating their concerns so that consideration can be given by the Coroner as to whether they relate to the four questions that form the remit of a Coronial inquest.
Getting information before the hearing
When all documents and reports requested have been received and when instructed by the Coroner your Coroners Officer will send one copy of this 'disclosure' to the family.