Access to coronial information
Access to coronial information is by request to the coroner. If information is released, the coroner may place conditions on that release, or provide redacted copies of documents.
As a general principle, the family representative can access information such as the post-mortem report and police report either during, or at the conclusion of, the inquest.
Copies of autopsy and scene photographs are not ordinarily released. The coroner will not approve access to photographs that are considered graphic or likely to cause distress, unless there are compelling reasons to do so.
The Chief Coroner has issued a Coronial Practice Direction covering access to coronial information. The important principles are:
- The court is the holder of all coronial information and access is only by way of express coronial order or direction.
- Coronial information is not commonly released while an investigation is ongoing.
- Immediate family members are generally entitled to access coronial information about a deceased person. Post-mortem examination and police reports can usually be obtained on request unless there are reasons why that information cannot be released. Decisions on release of information are made by reference to the circumstances of each case.
- Coronial information may be released to other parties if they can demonstrate a sufficient interest in the inquest or inquiry.
The Court does not respond to subpoenas or requests under freedom of information legislation. See the Coronial Practice Direction for further information.
Findings and recommendations
Most matters dealt with by the ACT Coroners Court do not result in published findings.
In cases where a significant investigation was undertaken, the coroner may prepare longer written findings, and these may be published. If the inquest has included a hearing, the findings will generally be published.
A coroner may otherwise direct that written findings are published, for example when recommendations are made, or the matter is otherwise of public interest. Access to non-published findings may be granted in accordance with the Coronial Practice Direction.
To locate all Coroners Court findings, go to the Decisions database.
Search tips: In addition to searching by name and coroner, it is also possible to search using both file number and citation. CD 125 of 2007 is an example of a file number. If you have a file number, type this in the File Number field. A citation, such as [2014] ACTCD 2, should be entered in the Citation search field. If you wish to retrieve findings made by a specific coroner, typing in either 'Walker Coroner' or 'Coroner Walker' in the Magistrate search field will display all findings made by that coroner.