NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Under what circumstances must coroners sit with a jury?

1. If the death was at work

2. If the death was due to natural causes

3. If the deceased was a minor

4. If the death was due to a traffic incident

The correct answer is: If the death was at work

The correct answer pertains to the requirement that a coroner must sit with a jury in cases where the death occurred in a work-related context. This is in line with specific legal frameworks that dictate when an inquest needs to have a jury, particularly related to deaths that occur in the workplace. Such provisions are designed to ensure thorough investigations that can address issues of safety and accountability within work environments. When assessing the other choices, it's important to note that deaths due to natural causes typically do not necessitate a jury, as they do not raise the same level of inquiry regarding circumstances that may affect public health or safety. Similarly, the status of the deceased as a minor alone does not trigger a jury requirement; instead, it would depend on the circumstances surrounding the death. In the case of traffic incidents, while they may often involve investigations, a jury is not always mandated, particularly if the cause of death is straightforward and the incident does not raise complex questions of law or public interest. Thus, the specific stipulations around workplace deaths highlight significant concerns about occupational safety and regulation, justifying the involvement of a jury in these cases.