Citation

Jenkin G, Canty J, Ernst S, Collings S. Death Stud. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2019.1699205

PMID

31809664

Abstract

To understand how suspected suicides are investigated in New Zealand we conducted a thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with coroners. Coroners identified the inquisitorial nature of the coronial system and coroners' wide powers of jurisdiction as key strengths of the system. Important influences in key areas of coronial decision making in cases of suspected suicides included; the need for more evidence - especially to determine intent, and family factors, including therapeutic jurisprudence. Coroners identified lack of follow up and monitoring of recommendations, poorly resourced coronial training and the personal impact of suicides as challenges of working in the coronial system.

Language: en