Inquest index 1851, 1916-1963

This index has been compiled from the following records:

• Surviving inquest papers for the years 1851, 1916-1939 from NRS-345 Coroners inquest papers. Around 5% of inquest papers from these years have survived.
• Files dated 1918-1920 relating to inquests where an open verdict was brought by the Coroner, or a reward was offered to bring forward more information. These files are from NRS-313, Letters received by the Attorney General.
• NRS-1786 Files concerning inquests, magisterial inquiries and inquests dispensed with, 2 Sep-13 Nov 1926, 27 Jan-28 Feb 1930
• Inquest papers dated January 1940 – June 1942 and July – December 1963 from NRS-345, Coroners inquest papers.
• NRS-346 Card register to inquests and magisterial inquiries July 1942 to June 1963 which is a part index to inquest files NRS-345 Coroners’ inquest papers (Files concerning inquests, magisterial inquiries and inquests dispensed with) 1851-1963.

The index records: inquest number, name of deceased or particulars of fire, date, location, coroner and remarks.

Please note some of the files listed in this index may not have survived.

• Record series in the index: NRS-313, NRS-345, NRS-346, NRS-1786
• Entries in the index: 55,175 entries
• Copy service available

A staff and Volunteer Project.

The inquest papers relate to inquests and inquiries held throughout New South Wales.

Prior to the implementation of the Coroner’s (Amendment) Act 1963, the depositions of witness appearing before Coroners were required to be transmitted to the Under Secretary, Department of Justice.

Each file was given a number on registration. Each file may include: particulars of the deceased and the circumstances of death; copies of testimonies and of statements by the police, medical officers or others concerned with the reporting of the death; a list of witnesses; and a copy of the coroners’ finding as to the cause of death.

Where the inquiry concerns a fire, information includes the address of the dwelling, the names of the occupants and owners, a list of witnesses and the coroner’s findings as to the cause of the fire. In some cases a list of exhibits, and exhibits such as photographs of premises, are included.

If further court action arose out of the inquest, for example a murder or manslaughter trial, the inquest papers may be filed with the later court papers.

The files contain documents and photographic evidence of cases that were heard by the Coroner's Court. The contents in some files may be distressing.