Who can object?
Family members, or another person with “sufficient interest” can raise objections about the autopsy.
How do I object?
You should advise the police officer and / or counsellor assigned to the case as quickly as possible if you have any concerns about the autopsy. Your concerns are then passed on to the coroner.
What can I object to?
Families may have objections about the autopsy based on religious beliefs or cultural traditions, for personal, or other reasons.
Examples of objections might be:
- to a full internal examination,
- to body parts being removed.
What happens if I object?
The Coroner must take into consideration any objections or concerns the family has raised when deciding what type of autopsy should take place.
This could mean that a less invasive examination is ordered, or that body parts are required to be returned after examination.
The Coroner should make the least intrustive order required to resolve the issues in doubt. This means that if the cause of death is an issue in doubt, it is more likely that a full internal examination will be required, regardless of any objections made.
What if I disagree with the Coroner’s decision?
Counsellors may become involved in further discussions if there is a mis-match between the Coroner’s decision and the family’s wishes.
If this does not resolve matters, the Coroner’s decision can be reviewed by the Supreme Court in an action for judicial review. Legal advice is recommended before taking this step.