39Request for an autopsy

39 Request for an autopsy

(1) A request under section 27(1) of the Act for a direction by the coroner that an autopsy be performed must—

(a) be communicated by telephone to the Coroners Court after the deceased person has been admitted to the Coroners Court; and

(b) be confirmed in writing no later than 24 hours after the telephone communication is made to the Coroners Court.

(2) A written confirmation under paragraph (1)(b) must—

(a) specify the reasons for making the request; and

(b) be signed by the person making the request.

(3) A coroner must give notice of the coroner's decision to refuse a request made under section 27(1) of the Act.

(4) A notice referred to in paragraph (3) must—

(a) be in Form 11; and

(b) specify the coroner's reasons in accordance with section 27(2) of the Act.

(5) Unless the coroner otherwise orders, if the person making a request under section 27(1) of the Act is not the senior next of kin, a registrar must notify the senior next of kin of the request and the decision of the coroner in respect of that request.