Functions of assistant coroners
15 Functions of assistant coroners
An assistant coroner has the following functions—
the function of providing administrative assistance to a coroner under the control and direction of the coroner,
such of the following functions as may be delegated in writing to the assistant coroner by the State Coroner—
the function of issuing orders for the disposal of the remains of deceased persons,
the function of issuing post mortem investigation directions,
the function of dispensing with the holding of inquests if death results from natural causes,
the function of dispensing with the holding of inquiries if a fire or explosion does not occur in suspicious circumstances,
the function of dispensing with the holding of inquiries if a fire involved only a motor vehicle,
such other functions as may be conferred or imposed on an assistant coroner by or under this or any other Act.
Note.
Section 49 of the Interpretation Act 1987 contains general provisions relating to the delegation of functions.
An assistant coroner cannot hold an inquest or inquiry and the function of holding an inquest or inquiry cannot be delegated to an assistant coroner by the State Coroner.
This section does not authorise an assistant coroner to exercise any function conferred or imposed on a coroner, except as specifically provided for by delegation under this section or by this or any other Act.
This Act’s bill:Explanatory memorandumSecond reading speech
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