When is the Body released in Inquest Cases?

If the Deputy Viscount decides that an inquest must be held, he will consider releasing the body as soon as he and the pathologist, Official Analyst and Police are satisfied that no prejudice to the enquiry will be caused by the release: this will usually be within two working days of the death. If the body is to be buried, authority for this can be given before the inquest is opened. However, if the body is to be cremated, the inquest must at least be opened before the body can be released: this is arranged very quickly. It is normally the case that funeral directors need several days to arrange a funeral; the body can usually be released to the funeral directors some days before the funeral to enable family viewing (and embalming) if desired. If the body is to be removed from the Island for burial or cremation, the inquest will be opened before such removal is permitted. In isolated cases (usually involving suspected unlawful killing) there may be much longer delays because of the needs of the prosecuting authorities and defence lawyers.

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