NSW Coroner’s Court

What cases are heard in the NSW Coroner’s Court?

The NSW Coroner’s Court conducts investigations or “coronial inquests” into deaths, suspected deaths, and “coronial inquiries” into fires.

The Coroner’s Court investigates the following types of matters:

• Unnatural, unexpected, sudden, and suspicious deaths.
• Suspected deaths in the case of missing persons.
• Fires and explosions that cause serious injury or damage to property.

The NSW Coroner’s Court is distinct from ordinary courts as it does not determine whether a person is guilty or not guilty. The Court cannot sentence someone for a crime. Instead, the Coroner’s Court publishes a report detailing the findings of the inquest or inquiry. The report might include the Coroner’s findings on the cause, place and time, and circumstances of the person’s death, and will often include recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.

In the course of the Coroner’s investigation, if it is suspected that a person has committed a serious offence in relation to the death or fire, the investigation must be suspended and the matter referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP will then decide whether to pursue criminal charges against that person.

If you are connected to the inquest or inquiry, you can appear with legal representation. In certain circumstances, your legal representative can ask witnesses questions and provide evidence to the Coroner to make sure that your side of the story is properly presented.

NSW Coroner’s Court List

Court Lists tell you the date, time and location of court matters up to three weeks in the future, and one week in the past.

The NSW interactive court list allows you to search for a particular case by name, case number, location, date, jurisdiction, title of presiding officer and type of listing (for example, directions, hearing, judgment and so on).

You can use the interactive list to search for the listing of your matter at the NSW Coroner’s Court.

How can we help you?

Our lawyers can appear in coronial inquests and inquiries at the NSW Coroner’s Court.

We also attend all other courts throughout NSW and the ACT.

If you require assistance, contact us on 1300 668 484 or submit an online enquiry.