Media Info
Remote Access to Inquest Hearings
Inquest hearings (including openings) are public hearings and anyone can attend including members of the press.
Fair and accurate reporting of proceedings is encouraged. At the same time the families of the deceased deserve sensitivity and respect for their privacy.
In accordance with Section 85A Courts Act 2003 and the Remote Observation and Recordings (Courts and Tribunals) Regulations 2022, members of the press and the public may apply to attend a hearing remotely. All Inquest hearings are published on the website at least 7 days before taking place.
Requests for remote access, including reasons for the request, should be made as far in advance as possible. A minimum of 48 hours in advance is required in all cases. Requests made after that timeframe may not be processed and attendance in person required.
Separate requests must be made for each Inquest hearing requested.
If your request for remote access is granted, you will be sent a link which will contain joining instructions and guidance for attendance. This guidance must be followed.
Links to access a hearing are specific to the addressee. Links must not be forwarded, even to someone from the same organisation.
You must join the hearing at least 5 minutes before it is due to start. You may have to wait until the Coroner admits you into the hearing. If you are late, you may not be admitted into the hearing.
Whilst every effort is made to start a hearing on time, there may sometimes be a delay starting a hearing.
Do not leave the hearing unless invited to by the Coroner.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU MAKE A RECORDING OF THE INQUEST
Press Requests for Information
The Coroner’s Office is experiencing a high volume of press requests for information about inquests even before a hearing has taken place. All relevant information will be provided at the hearing. We are unable to provide information about a death in advance of a hearing.
It is inappropriate for members of the press to try to speak to the Coroner about a case. Press representatives should not approach a Coroner with queries. Coroners are Judges and should be respected as such. Any queries should be directed to the Court Clerk who will assist if possible.
Precinct of the Coroner’s Court
The precinct of the Coroner’s Court at Cockermouth includes the Court building and offices, the car parking area and the entire area within the boundary wall / fence.
The precinct of the Coroner’s Court when sitting at Cumbria House in Carlisle includes Cumbria House, the car park and the paved area outside the main entrance to the building.
Helpful Links
Chief Coroner’s Guidance on open justice - Open Justice - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Chief Coroner’s Guidance on Remote Hearings -Remote hearings - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
IPSO Guidance and Information for the Public on Reporting Suicide - IPSO launches Guidance for journalists and Information for the public on Reporting Suicide - IPSO
Samaritans Media Guidelines for reporting suicides - Samaritans' media guidelines for reporting suicide | Samaritans