The guidelines aim to assist coroners, attorneys, police, families and survivors of the deceased person, and others interested in inquests. Individual sections explain the law regarding inquests, the attorney’s preparation, what the police do and why, the role of the autopsy, coroners’ inquiries and recommendations, and the reasons for and the extent of media interest. The text also details investigative methods related to deaths from traffic accidents, natural disasters, drug overdoses, medical or surgical mishaps, pathology, or sudden infant death. Additional sections explain the benefits and components of a national coroners’ information system. It also notes that the Australian Coroners’ Society has made significant progress toward implementing the system and that priority areas for developing uniform information include deaths related to suicide, transportation, work, drowning, consumer products, custody, and hospital and medical procedures. The final chapters discuss coroners’ recommendations following deaths in custody and issues and efforts relating to preventing injury death in Australia. Figures, photographs, footnotes, and chapter reference lists