Policy background Coroner’s Courts Use of audio or video links at inquests
During the COVID-19 pandemic, coroners have sought ways to ensure that inquest hearings could continue, while being mindful of the need to support the Government in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The Chief Coroner in his guidance 35 on hearings during the pandemic 12 noted that while it was possible for all parties who needed to be present to do so by virtual link, the coroner (or jury if there was one) had to be physically present at the hearing.
	While coroners have been able to continue to conduct very routine inquests, in almost all coroner areas backlogs have built up of more complex inquests with multiple attendees, in particular jury inquests, as courts have lacked the necessary infrastructure to operate during the lockdown restrictions.
	This provision will clarify that the Coroners Rules (made under section 45 of the CJA 2009) may allow pre-inquest reviews and inquests to take place where all participants, including the coroner, will be able to participate remotely. It will help to address issues in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery which are likely to continue for many years, in particular, help reduce the backlog quicker and contribute to the effort to stop the spread of the virus. Wholly remote hearings are allowed in mainstream courts and tribunals so this provision will bring coroner’s courts in line with them and avoid them being outliers.