Sometimes inquests have to be adjourned, where a person has been charged with a criminal offence as a result of a death, an inquest must be held when the Minister orders it. Where an inquest has begun, and a person is charged during the inquest with a criminal offence as a result of a death, the Coroner must adjourn the inquest. The inquest can only be re-opened if the Minister directs it. These criminal investigations and any resulting criminal proceedings must be completed before the inquest proceeds.

A coroner may adjourn an inquest from time to time where it is shown to the satisfaction of the coroner that the adjournment is required to permit an adequate hearing to be held or where the coroner for other reasons is of the opinion that it is necessary.