Coronial Functions

Deaths suspected to have been due to any unlawful act, suicide, accident, poisoning, deprivation or neglect, deaths in custody, mental health facilities, or children homes, and sudden deaths of unknown cause are referred to the Law Officers (in their capacity as investigative coroner) by Doctors, the Hospital or the Police.

The role of the Law Officers is to direct the investigation of sudden, unexpected, suspicious or unusual deaths, direct post mortem examinations and authorise cremations. They will also direct the opening of an inquest if deemed necessary.

The Magistrate holds the inquests on unnatural deaths in Guernsey; the Court of Alderney in Alderney; and the Court of the Seneschal in Sark.

Electronic Forms: 

 Declaration of Death [410kb]
 Medical Certificate Cause of Death Form C [72kb]
 Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Following Post Mortem [475kb]
 Application for Cremation - PDF [243kb]
 Application for Cremation - Word [118kb]

For more information on the Law Officers Coronial Functions, please click on this link  Coronial function [110kb].

To contact the Law Officers in relation to their coronial function, please email coroner@gov.gg