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Part 3Inquiries into causes and circumstances of deaths
Inquiries

77AAssociate coroner holds hearing on papers or refers death to chief coroner

  1. An associate coroner may hold a hearing on the papers and make chambers findings if—

  2. the associate coroner considers an inquest may not be required, having considered the matters in section 80(2); and
    1. the associate coroner notifies interested parties of the associate coroner’s intention to hold a hearing on the papers and make chambers findings rather than refer the death to the chief coroner; and
      1. the associate coroner allows a reasonable period for interested parties to make their views known to the associate coroner on whether—
        1. an inquest should be held; or
          1. a hearing should proceed on the papers; and
          2. no interested party expresses the view that an inquest should be held.

            1. If an interested party expresses the view that an inquest should be held, or the associate coroner considers an inquest may be required,—

            2. the associate coroner must refer the death to the chief coroner; and
              1. the chief coroner must assign the death to a coroner (but not to an associate coroner).

                1. The coroner who is assigned the death must decide whether to hold an inquest or a hearing on the papers.

                2. If interested parties have been consulted, the coroner who is assigned the death—

                3. must consider the views (if any) expressed by the parties, among other relevant factors and information; and
                  1. is not required to reconsult interested parties if the coroner decides to proceed by way of a hearing on the papers and make chambers findings.

                    Notes
                    • Section 77A: inserted, on , by section 11 of the Coroners Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 8).