This Code of Ethics is published by the Chief Coroner for Nunavut Territory as a general ethical guide.
Coroners shall exercise their duties and responsibilities without fear, favour, prejudice, bias or partiality towards any person or organization.
Coroners shall proceed in the public interest to carry out diligently and expediently their duties and responsibilities as set out in the Act. They shall not favour personal interests to those of the public good.
Coroners shall have due regard for the fact that they are performing a public duty and that their actions and decisions affect both private as well as public interests.
Coroners in the performance of their duties shall consider and, where possible, respect the views, culture and religious beliefs of the deceased, or next of kin.
Coroners shall in the exercise of their duties, be considerate of the anxiety of the deceased's next of kin.
Coroners shall, in the delegation of their investigative powers to legally qualified medical practitioners, police or authorized investigator, ensure that the individual is fully aware of and prepared to act in accord with this Code of Ethics and with the Nunavut Coroners Act.
Coroners shall not, in the discharge of their duties make decisions beyond the scope of their personal expertise and knowledge, but shall seek guidance from the appropriate source or sources.
Coroners shall assist law enforcement agencies and officials involved in the administration of justice where possible, having regard for the provisions of the NunavutCoroners Act.
Coroners shall not interfere in an investigation or inquest which has been undertaken by another Coroner, unless directed to do so by the appropriate authority.
Coroners shall disqualify themselves form conducting an investigation, inquiry, or inquest where a conflict of interest exists or may appear to exist.
Coroners presiding at an inquest shall exercise their duties and responsibilities so as to assist the jury to return a fair, impartial and proper verdict and shall receive such verdict with impartiality.
When presiding at an inquiry or inquest, the Coroner shall reflect the seriousness and gravity of judicial proceedings when presiding at an inquiry or inquest.
Coroners shall treat all those appearing before them with deference and respect.
Coroners shall display firmness with courtesy and at all times be patient, deliberate and dignified while maintaining order and decorum during a hearing.
Coroners shall bear in mind that an inquest is designed to determine and make public the facts surrounding a particular death and that an inquest shall be open to the public except as specified in the Nunavut Coroners Act.
Coroners shall not act in a manner designed to publicize or have the effect of publicizing or enhancing their personal reputation or business.
Coroners shall not conduct themselves in a manner which might tend to bring their office into disrepute or affect public confidence in the Coroners' Office.
Coroners shall be guided in the performance of their duties by the Chief Coroner.
Coroners shall strive to increase their knowledge concerning matters pertinent to the proper and effective performance of their duties and shall where possible attend required programs and courses conducted by the Chief Coroner for the instruction of Coroners in their duties.
Coroners shall accept their share of responsibility toward society in relation to matters of public health, health education and legislation affecting the health and well-being of the community.
Coroners shall respect the confidentiality of any information received by them in the performance of their duties.
You are here: HomeOffice of the Chief CoronerCode of Ethics
