MoJ consults on implementing Coroners Act

The Ministry of Justice has called for views on how it should implement reforms to the coroner’s service in a consultation paper.

Responses will assist in the drafting of secondary legislation, with a final consultation to be held in 2011.

The reforms contained in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 include: making it easier to transfer inquests between different coroner areas; appointing a chief coroner and national leadership team; ensuring bereaved families have the right to request information upon which coroners’ decisions are based; introducing a national appeals system; and improving standards and ensuring consistency across the country.

Justice minister Bridget Prentice said: ‘These reforms will remove inconsistencies, placing the needs of the bereaved at the centre of the process and ensuring that everyone involved in the investigation is clear about their rights and responsibilities.’

The consultation closes on 1 July.