Coronial proceedings are not part of the adversarial system but are rather investigatory in nature. Many coronial matters do not require a hearing of evidence. The coroner can often make findings in relation to the cause of death from statements and documents tendered in a short hearing. Where the cause of death is not clear, or where issues of public interest arise, the coroner can hear evidence from witnesses. Interested parties can also ask questions or be represented by counsel. There were some significant and difficult matters which went to hearing during the year.
With changes in the organisation of the Coroners Court, the move to centralisation has somewhat petered out.
During the reporting period there were:
| Appearances in Coronial Hearings |
24 |
| Appearances in Coronial Directions |
17 |
| Hearing inquests concluded | 11 |
| Matters in which a Coronial Brief was received by the DPP |
43 |
| Matters in which the Coroner decided no inquest was required |
20 |
SEXUAL OFFENCES UNIT
The Sexual Offences Unit continues to provide a best practice approach to prosecution of sexual offences by developing specialist prosecutors, providing early support for victims, greater continuity in the conduct of matters, reducing delay in sexual offence matters, and utilising legislative measures to improve the court experience for victims.
The unit manages a large number of matters and while it endeavours to ensure sexual offence matters are resolved as quickly as possible there continues to be delays in getting matters to trial. Elsewhere in this report it has been noted that the recent Blitz was a success in reducing some of the backlog of matters. This has also been reflected in sexual offence matters. However, there continues to be lengthy delays before trial.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011-12 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS 16
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