We call members of the public to serve on the jury in the same way as other courts. They are chosen at random from the electoral register. The jurors listen to the evidence and decide on the findings of fact and the conclusion of the inquest.
Jury service is an important civic duty. It can be challenging at times however, many of our jurors also find it very satisfying and meaningful to take an active part in the justice system. We are grateful to our jurors for the vital role they play and give them all possible support.
When will there be a jury?
Most inquests are held without a jury, but there are times when the law says that a jury must be called. This includes:
- if the death happened in prison, in police custody or another type of state detention (except if the death was from natural causes); or
- if the death resulted from an accident at work;
- if the senior coroner thinks there is sufficent reasons for doing so.
What does the jury do?
In an inquest heard with a jury, the jury decides the facts of the case and answers the questions of how the person died and the cause of death. Like the coroner, the jury cannot blame someone for the death. The coroner will decide matters of law and procedure, for example, which witnesses to call.
What conclusions could be made?
When giving the cause of death, the coroner or jury may make a conclusion based on the inquest. The coroner or jury may give further detail explaining their reasons for coming to a particular conclusion.
Alternatively, or sometimes in addition, the coroner or jury may make a brief ‘narrative’ conclusion which sets out the facts surrounding the death in more detail and explains the reasons for the decision. A narrative conclusion is likely to be given when the case is more complicated as it can give a longer explanation of the reasons for the decision and what the important issues are