This Bill has two main objectives. One is to comprehensively reform the existing legislation relating to coroners by replacing the Coroners Act 1962 with modern updated provisions taking into account the jurisprudence of our courts and the European Court of Human Rights. It also takes account of developments in the legal system and of the ongoing reform of coroner services in other common law jurisdictions.

The other main objective of the Bill is to establish a new full time Coroner Service. The new service will comprise a Chief Coroner, Deputy Coroner, coroners and a lesser number of part-time assistant coroners and will be organised on a regional basis.

Coroners Bill 2007 (PDF – 364KB)

Coroners Bill 2007 - Explanatory and Financial Memorandum (PDF – 347KB)