The Coroner (or jury where there is one) comes to a conclusion at the end of an inquest. This includes the legal 'determination', stating formally who died, and where, when and how they died. The Coroner or jury may also make 'findings' to allow the death to be registered. When recording the cause of death the Coroner or jury may use one of the following terms:
- accident or misadventure
- alcohol/drug related
- industrial disease
- lawful/unlawful killing
- natural causes
- open (used when there is insufficient evidence for any other outcome)
- road traffic collision
- stillbirth
- suicide
Alternatively, or in addition, the Coroner or jury may make a brief 'narrative' conclusion setting out the facts surrounding the death in more detail and explaining the reasons for the decision.
It is possible to challenge a Coroner's decision.
