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ภาพรวม
An inquest is a public, fact-finding inquiry conducted by a coroner (sometimes with a jury) to investigate a death. Inquests are not trials — they do not determine guilt or blame. The purpose is to establish who died, when, where, and how (and in what circumstances, for Article 2 inquests). If you are a bereaved family member or another 'interested person', you have the right to participate.
กระบวนการทีละขั้นตอน
Referral and Investigation
A death is referred to the coroner by a doctor, registrar, or police officer. The coroner decides whether an investigation (and inquest) is needed. This is required where the death was violent, unnatural, of unknown cause, or occurred in custody or state detention. The coroner orders a post-mortem examination.
- The coroner's office will contact the family
- A post-mortem may delay funeral arrangements
Pre-Inquest Review (PIR)
In complex cases, the coroner holds a pre-inquest review hearing. This determines the scope of the inquest, identifies interested persons, lists witnesses, and sets directions for disclosure. In Article 2 cases, legal aid may be available for the family.
- Attend the PIR if possible — it shapes the entire inquest
- Apply for Exceptional Case Funding (legal aid) early if an Article 2 inquest
The Inquest Hearing
The inquest is held in public. The coroner (or jury, if summoned) hears evidence from witnesses including doctors, police officers, and expert witnesses. Interested persons (family, employers, state bodies) may ask questions through their representatives or in person. The coroner controls the proceedings.
- You can ask questions of witnesses
- The hearing may last from a few hours to several weeks depending on complexity
Conclusion (Verdict)
The coroner or jury records a conclusion: natural causes, accident/misadventure, suicide, unlawful killing, lawful killing, open, industrial disease, drug/alcohol related, or a narrative conclusion setting out the circumstances. The conclusion must not appear to determine criminal liability of a named person.
- A narrative conclusion allows the coroner to set out the full circumstances
- The family can submit proposed questions and request particular conclusions
After the Inquest
The coroner may issue a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report if the evidence reveals a risk of further deaths. The recipient must respond within 56 days. The inquest finding may be relevant to civil or criminal proceedings but is not determinative. A new inquest may be ordered by the High Court if fresh evidence emerges.
- PFD reports and responses are published on the Chief Coroner's website
- The inquest does not prevent a separate civil claim for damages
คำเตือนสำคัญ
An inquest is not a trial — it does not determine guilt or civil liability.
Legal aid is generally not available for inquests, except in some Article 2 cases through Exceptional Case Funding.
The coroner decides the scope of the inquest — interested persons can request a wider scope but the coroner's decision is final (subject to judicial review).