Coronial Inquests and Coroners Court Applications

Supporting Families Through a Devastating Loss

The loss of a family member or loved one is a devastating event under any circumstances; the pain of which can be heightened or aggravated in the event there are questions of systemic failure surrounding their death. Often, these failings result from treatment by Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, hospitals and medical practitioners.

Our team of coronial inquest lawyers hold specialist experience and expertise in advising and representing families and witnesses in the Coroners Court (in both Victoria, and interstate). Robinson Gill Lawyers are best-placed to assist families navigating the Coroners Court process in Victoria, with over 40 years of experience in complex legal matters, including in coronial inquests. The firm’s Crime & Advocacy and Police & Prison teams have particular expertise in matters involving deaths in custody, police accountability, medical negligence, and systemic failures - areas that frequently intersect with coronial investigations and inquests.

What sets our inquest lawyers apart is not only their experience, but also their trauma-informed, client-centred approach. They work closely with families to ensure their voices are heard, their cultural or personal concerns are respected, and their legal rights are protected throughout the process. The firm also has a strong commitment to social justice, often representing clients in high-profile or precedent-setting matters.

By combining legal expertise with compassion and respect, Robinson Gill Lawyers provides both guidance and advocacy, helping families seek answers and contributing to broader reforms where needed.

The Coroners Court System

The role of the Coroners Court is to independently investigate deaths and fires, to reduce preventable deaths, and to promote public health and safety and the administration of justice. Coronial investigations seek to establish the facts surrounding particular deaths - including how, when, where and why a death occurred. In addition, the Court’s role extends to identifying areas for prevention opportunities, so that similar deaths might be avoided in the future.

The Coroners Court is a specialist jurisdiction responsible for independently investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected, unnatural, violent, or occur in specific circumstances - such as during medical procedures, while a person is in state care or custody, or where the cause of death is unknown. If the death of your loved one has been referred to the Coroner, it signifies that further investigation is required to determine the cause, circumstances, and contributing factors surrounding their passing.

The Investigation Process

The process begins with a formal report to the Court, usually made by attending police officers, a hospital, or a medical practitioner. The Coroner may authorise a medical examination—this could include an autopsy or other forensic procedures - to ascertain the medical cause of death. Families will be informed of these steps and are encouraged to express any cultural, spiritual, or religious concerns they may have regarding post-mortem procedures.

Upon reviewing all available evidence, the Coroner will decide whether to finalise the investigation with a written finding or to proceed with an inquest - a formal public hearing where witnesses may be called, evidence is presented, and the circumstances of death are explored in detail. Inquests are not held in every case and are reserved for matters of public interest or complexity. Families are entitled to legal representation and may participate by asking questions or making submissions.

Key Features of the Coroners Court

The Coroners Court has a uniquely different style of functioning to other Courts in Victoria – it is not inherently adversarial in nature, and is a largely inquisitorial jurisdiction. In simple terms, this means that the Court is responsible for actively investigating the cases it hears. At times, investigations will proceed to an open hearing called an inquest, and in other circumstances, Coroners will make findings in chambers (that is, without an open inquest hearing having been conducted). The legislation which guides the Coroners Court processes also requires that the hearings be conducted with as little as formality and technicality as is possible - which means that where it is possible, an inquest should be conducted in a way that is comprehensible to family members and loved ones who are present.

It is essential to understand that the Coroner does not determine civil or criminal liability. Instead, its purpose is to establish insofar as is possible the truth of what occurred, promote public health and safety, and where appropriate, make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.

How Our Coronial Inquest Lawyers Can Help

Often, families and loved ones of a person who has passed will seek inquest lawyers to act on their behalf, as there is otherwise no other party present during the process to represent their unique views. Robinson Gill are experienced coronial inquest lawyers, who can assist with the following:

Our Services Include:

Representation for the whole or part of a coronial investigation and inquest
Representation for witnesses required to appear and give evidence before the Coroners Court
Advice in relation to privilege in respect of self-incrimination
Applications to be recognised as an Interested Party
Applications for the release of coronial briefs / coronial materials
Applications to set aside findings of the Coroners Court
Applications for autopsy to be conducted
Applications to be recognised as Senior Next of Kin
Applications for the release of body
Applications for exhumation
Appeals from the Coroners Court to the Supreme Court

Deaths in Custody, Police Misconduct, and Coronial Inquests

The intersection between coronial inquests and police misconduct litigation is crucial in the pursuit of both justice, and accountability.

In cases involving deaths in police custody or following police contact (also known as ‘police contact deaths’), a coronial inquest can play a critical role in uncovering the truth about what happened. There are special procedures and laws which apply to police contact deaths.

However, inquests in isolation rarely result in true accountability, nor are they able to provide an avenue for the compensation for families. That’s why Robinson Gill often acts in both coronial and civil proceedings - to ensure that families are not only heard in the inquest process but also supported in seeking systemic change or compensation where appropriate. Our expertise in both areas allows us to work collaboratively across teams, and to navigate the legal complexities of each jurisdiction to advocate strongly for those affected by police contact deaths.

Robinson Gill Coronial Cases

Beyond individual cases, Robinson Gill’s broader advocacy has a longstanding reputation for the contribution to legal and policy reforms, aimed at preventing avoidable deaths and improving transparency in institutional settings. To read more about Robinson Gill’s impacts in the coronial inquest space, read about some of our cases in the media:

Media Coverage Examples:

Resources for Practitioners

Coroners Court of Victoria – General: Coroners Court of Victoria
Coroners Court of Victoria – Supports and Resources: Supports and Resources | Coroners Court of Victoria
Coroners Court of Victoria – Findings: Findings | Coroners Court of Victoria
Judicial College of Victoria: Coroners Bench Book

Meet Our Coronial Inquest Lawyers

If you or someone you know needs help from an inquest lawyer, meet with one of our Crime & Advocacy lawyers today for an obligation free initial conference. During the initial conference, our lawyers will discuss with you the stage of your matter, your options, your prospects, and the ways in which your matter might be funded.