Coroner's Courts

The Coroner's Courts inquire into deaths which appear unusual or unnatural. The power given to these courts to enquire into such cases (called "jurisdiction") are found in the Subordinate Courts Act and the Criminal Procedure Code. The coroner is a qualified person who is appointed by the President of Singapore on the recommendation of the Chief Justice.

Where there is reason to suspect that a person died in unnatural circumstances such as where there was violence, or where sudden or unusual events took place, the Coroner will inquire into the circumstances of the death. If he thinks it is necessary, the Coroner will conduct an inquiry known as a Coroner's Inquiry or Inquest.

The coroner normally begins the inquiry by viewing the body and ordering a post-mortem examination (an examination after the death, obviously) of the corpse. The coroner may also summon and examine witnesses to assist in the determination of the cause of death. After the examination, the coroner will authorize burial of the body. An inquiry may be held even when the body is destroyed or irrecoverable.

After examining the body and any relevant witnesses, the Coroner may conclude that the death was due to misadventure (ie an accident), the actions of unknown person/s, or suicide. He may also give an open verdict, which means the cause of death is unknown.