Coroners
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This page provides detailed prosecution guidance regarding Coroners in England and Wales, outlining their roles, responsibilities, and the legal framework within which they operate. It covers various aspects of the coronial process, including inquests, automatic jurisdiction, legal professional privilege, and interactions between the Coroner and prosecuting authorities. The guidance aims to assist prosecutors in understanding how to engage with Coroners effectively, particularly in cases where criminal proceedings may be involved.
Key points
- Coroners investigate the cause of death without considering criminal liability.
- Inquests are legal inquiries that must be held for certain types of deaths.
- Coroners can issue Preventing Future Deaths Reports based on their findings.
- Inquests may be adjourned pending criminal proceedings.
- Prosecutors may be called to assist Coroners in investigations involving criminal acts.
- The Chief Coroner oversees the coroner system and has intervention powers.
- Coroners can hold jury inquests in specific circumstances.
- Coroners are not permitted to determine civil or criminal liability.
Public-interest factors
- Public health and safety concerns
- Protection of vulnerable individuals
- Deaths in custody or state detention
- Significant public interest due to media attention
- Recommendations for systemic changes
- Awareness of public concern regarding specific incidents
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.