Information on Attending an Inquest

Overview

Inquests are generally held in open court, where the press and public can attend. Depending upon the circumstances of the case, there may also a jury present.

Attending an inquest

If you are interested in attending an inquest you can follow the below link to see upcoming inquests. Please note that all hearings are listed as 'not before' a certain time, they can begin any time after that listed.  The list shall show the next two weeks of inquests that are listed.

To View Upcoming Inquests, click below

View Upcoming Inquest

Types of Hearings

We list different types of hearings: 

• Opening of an inquest, this is a short hearing to formally commence the inquest process, during this hearing the presiding coroner will confirm the identity of the individual, the cause of death (if known) and the type of case. They will then adjourn until a later date. No evidence is heard at an opening.
• A Pre Inquest Review (PIR), this is an administrative hearing where all the properly interested persons (PIPs) are invited attend court. Not all cases require a PIR. No evidence is heard at a PIR.
• Completion hearing - this is the final stage in the inquest process, the Coroner hears or reads witness evidence and makes a formal conclusion.  A completion is heard with or without the presence of a jury.

Where are Meetings Held

We hold the majority of inquests in a hybrid manner, whereby the Coroner and a number of interested persons are in court and others may attend virtually. Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Coroner’s utilise the MS Teams platform for virtual attendance. The Coroner shall indicate what style of inquest shall be held. Anyone who has not been made an interested person by HM Coroner must attend the inquest in person.

Inquests can only be attended by those aged over 18. This includes family members.

Please note, all hearings are recorded.