Article 23 Written evidenceI1

England and Wales

(1)

Written evidence as to who the deceased was and how, when and where the deceased came by his or her death is not admissible unless the coroner is satisfied that—

(a)

it is not possible for the maker of the written evidence to give evidence at the inquest hearing at all, or within a reasonable time;

(b)

there is a good and sufficient reason why the maker of the written evidence should not attend the inquest hearing;

(c)

there is a good and sufficient reason to believe that the maker of the written evidence will not attend the inquest hearing; or

(d)

the written evidence (including evidence in admission form) is unlikely to be disputed.

(2)

Before admitting such written evidence the coroner must announce at the inquest hearing—

(a)

what the nature of the written evidence to be admitted is;

(b)

the full name of the maker of the written evidence to be admitted in evidence;

(c)

that any interested person may object to the admission of any such written evidence; and

(d)

that any interested person is entitled to see a copy of any written evidence if he or she so wishes.

(3)

A coroner must admit as evidence at an inquest hearing any document made by a deceased person if the coroner is of the opinion that the contents of the document are relevant to the purposes of the inquest.

(4)

A coroner may direct that all or parts only of any written evidence submitted under this rule may be read aloud at the inquest hearing.

Annotations

Commencement

I1: Rule 23 in force at 25.7.2013, see rule 1