Open petition: Mandatory toxicology reports for every sudden, unexpected or unexplained death

Created by Colette Seddon
Closes on 6 April 2027

The Government should mandate toxicology investigations for every sudden, unexpected or unexplained death, including suspected suicides, to ensure consistent, scientific, and reliable investigations. We believe coroners should not have discretion to omit essential evidence.

Sudden deaths must be investigated using full toxicology. We are concerned that current coronial practice is inconsistent, and essential evidence is often missing. Ministry of Justice guidance already recommends toxicology even in suspected suicides, but it is not mandatory. Government should require toxicology in every sudden, unexpected or unexplained death to ensure accurate, scientific and consistent investigations.

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