Coronial matters from Griffith and the surrounding Riverina are sometimes listed for hearing in Griffith rather than in Sydney. This page shows those Coroner's Court listings for the current sitting day and the next one, and keeps the previous list for reference when no sitting is scheduled.
What a coroner does
In New South Wales, coroners investigate certain deaths, as well as fires and explosions that damage property, under the Coroners Act 2009. A death must be reported to a coroner when, for example, it was violent or unnatural, it happened suddenly and the cause is unknown, or the person died in police custody or in care. The coroner's job is to find out who died, when and where, and the manner and cause of death. Coroners do not decide whether anyone is guilty of a crime, but they can make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.
Most reported deaths are dealt with on the papers, without a public hearing. An inquest is held when the law requires one, such as a death in custody, or when the coroner decides that a public hearing is needed. In regional New South Wales, Local Court magistrates often act as coroners, working with the State Coroner and the Coroners Court based in Lidcombe.
What you may see on the list
- Inquests, where evidence is heard in public and the coroner later delivers findings.
- Directions hearings, which set the issues to be examined and the witnesses to be called.
- Findings, where the coroner hands down the outcome of an inquest.
Coronial lists usually show the name of the person who died, sometimes described as "Inquest into the death of" followed by their name. The court may make orders that restrict what can be published about a matter, so read any notice in the courtroom carefully.
Attending a coronial hearing
Inquests are generally open to the public. Family members of the person who died are often given the chance to take part, ask questions through a lawyer or the counsel assisting, and in many cases speak about their loved one. Support services are available for families through the Coroners Court, and staff can explain what will happen before the hearing begins.
Allow time for security screening when you arrive, switch your phone to silent and do not record anything in the courtroom. Times can change at short notice, so check the list again on the morning of the hearing.
Related Griffith lists
Other courts sitting in the town are shown on the Griffith court list page, and tribunal hearings appear under NCAT Griffith. General enquiries can be made on the NSW courts line, 1300 679 272. This page is general information only and not legal advice.