There are many straightforward and uncontentious cases in which a hearing in writing is appropriate. For cases where an inquest in writing has been deemed suitable by the coroner, and in agreement with Interested Persons, these inquests do not take place in court.

An inquest in writing is therefore an inquest without a court hearing and where there are no attendees, and where the coroner only considers the documentary evidence.

This can avoid a stressful hearing for the family and save witnesses the stress and inconvenience of having to give oral evidence when their written statements are sufficiently detailed and are not disputed.

Any inquests listed will be held at the earliest opportunity.