Information for jurors, witnesses and court visitors
We understand that attending an inquest is a very new process for most of you and wanted to explain what is likely to happen throughout your visit.
Inquests are public forums, and any member of the press or public can attend. On occasion, witnesses will be called to give evidence and in certain instances, inquests will be heard in front of a jury.
On arrival at court, all visitors will be greeted by members of Gwent Coroners Service. We are also supported by the Coroners Court Support Service (CCSS) charity.
We will go through the following housekeeping and general information with you:
- housekeeping – toilet facilities, fire alarms etc
- the use of mobile phones and other technology
- social media and reporting
Depending on the nature of your visit e.g. whether you’re a juror, a witness, press or a member of the public coming to observe proceedings, you will be given information and instruction relevant to you and the inquests listed for that day.
There is no formal dress code for the coroner's court. However, the family of the person who has died will be there and we ask visitors to dress reasonably smartly out of respect. Hats are not permitted in court.
Juror and witness expenses
The allowances you can claim are set out by the Ministry of Justice and are the same as for jurors in all other courts:
- if you are employed, and your employer will not continue to pay you while on jury service, you can claim for loss of earnings up to £64.95 per day
- you can claim for standard class public transport at cost (on submission of receipts)
- you can claim for car travel at 45p per mile and parking charges at cost (on submission of receipts)
- you can claim an allowance of up to £4.50 per day for lunch/refreshments (on submission of receipts)
Completed expense forms can be emailed to: [email protected] or send to:
Gwent Coroner’s Service
Livingstone House Langstone Business Village
Langstone Park
Newport
NP18 2LH
What is an interested person?
‘Interested person’ is defined in law (by section 47(2) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009).
If you are a close relative or the personal representative of the person who has died, you will be considered to be an ‘interested person’. An interested person has certain rights during the investigation and inquest. This includes the right to be told about the dates of hearings and to receive documents from the coroner that may be used in the inquest.
The definition of interested person also includes a person involved with the death, a person appointed by a government department to attend the inquest or provide evidence, and anyone else who the coroner thinks has a sufficient interest.