History and values

History

The office of the Coroner is one of the oldest known to the English system of law dating back to 1194, predated by only the Sheriffs office. In early years the coroner's duties were mainly administrative. The coroner kept the king's records, and collected revenue.

Over the years the role expanded to include investigating deaths. If a person was found dead the coroner was notified and a jury was assembled where the jury examined the body. Evidence was heard and the jury's verdict taken. If a verdict of murder or manslaughter was returned the coroner seized his property for the king.

In NSW the Coroner's jurisdiction has been in place since the foundation of the colony. In his commission of 2 April 1787 Governor Phillip was granted power to 'constitute and appoint Justices of the Peace, Coroners Constable and other necessary officers'. The earliest recorded inquest in New South Wales dates from 1796 in which three magistrates including Samuel Marsden inquired into the death of a convict who had been shot.

From early colony times the Coroners Court was situated in the Rocks in Sydney. In 1970 the Coroners Court moved to premises on Parramatta Road, Glebe and the office of the State Coroner was established in 1988.

The current Coroners Court opened in January 2019 and is located at the Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court complex at 1A Main Avenue, Lidcombe 2141.

Approximately 7,000 deaths statewide are reported each year to the Coroner, with about half of those deaths occurring in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Values

These are the core values underpinning the work of the Coroner's Court.

Commitment to the community

• Deliver all services in a professional and timely manner
• Be proactive wherever possible
• Be reliable and responsible
• Demonstrate understanding and sensitivity in relation to religious and cultural issues
• Facilitate informed and effective access to appropriate bereavement intervention options for bereaved families and individuals
• Correct service issues quickly and efficiently
• Innovate to improve services
  
  

Respect for

• The dignity of the person who has died
• The family and friends of the deceased person
• Cultural and religious beliefs
• The rights of individuals
  
  

Integrity

• Be accountable for our actions
• Be honest, fair and reliable
• Apply sound judgement and common sense in all situations