What is a Coroner?

A Coroner is an independent judicial office holder, appointed by the local authority.  Coroners are usually lawyers who work within a framework of law passed by Parliament.  They are a type of specialist judge who investigates certain kinds of deaths.  

The Chief Coroner heads the coroner service in England and Wales, this role was created under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The current Chief Coroner is Her Honour Judge Alexia Durran. More information can be found on the Office of Chief Coroner page.