Where an inquest is required the Coroner must open the inquest as soon as possible. This hearing is typically very brief but is usually held in public. The press or media may be present and report details afterwards, though these will inevitably be rather limited. The Coroner will then immediately adjourn the inquest until a later date by when the Coroner will have the information he or she requires to proceed with the inquest. At the opening of the inquest, the Coroner must, where possible, set the dates of subsequent hearings.
It is not necessary for you to attend the opening of the inquest but you can ask the Coroner if you would like to do so.
