Coronavirus update- Guidance on hearings from 30.3.2021

All hearings will continue to take place at our courts in Durham city and Crook Civic Centre. However, for public safety and for that of our staff, we can offer the facility for some witnesses and any interested person to participate via a video link and without the need to attend in person. This provides not only sight of the court, witnesses and Coroner, but also full participation by the giving of evidence and asking of questions. We remain able to provide covid-safe, socially distanced seating for the press who are welcome to attend as usual.

If you are due to attend the Coroners Court as a juror and you have current access to email, please email hmcoroner@durham.gov.uk and you will be updated as to the position of jury court proceedings.

Listings

The best information as to hearing times, will be available from the court office the day before that hearing takes place - call 03000 265556. Generally:

Inquest openings and mentions will be heard between 9 and 10am.
Inquests, Pre-Inquest Reviews and other hearings will generally commence between 10 am and 1pm (“morning session”) or 1pm and 4.30 pm (“afternoon session”).