Powers of coroners at inquests
46 Powers of coroners at inquests
If a coroner reasonably believes it is necessary for the purpose of an inquest, the coroner may —
summon a person to attend as a witness or to produce any document or other materials; and
inspect, copy and keep for a reasonable period any thing produced at the inquest; and
order a witness to answer questions; and
order a witness to take an oath or affirmation to answer questions; and
give any other directions and do anything else the coroner believes necessary.
A coroner may be assisted by counsel, or by any other person that the coroner believes will be of assistance.
[(3) deleted]
If a person to whom a summons is issued does not appear, the coroner may issue a warrant to apprehend the person and bring him or her before a coroner.
If under a warrant issued under subsection (4) a person is brought before a coroner, the coroner may order that the person be kept in custody until it is practicable to take or receive evidence from the person, but in any event for not longer than 7 days.
[Section 46 amended: No. 35 of 2001 s. 3(1); No. 59 of 2004 s. 76.]
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