(3) Evidence may be recorded in the form of question and answer or in the form of a narrative, as the Coroner thinks fit.
Rules of evidence not applicable
37. A Coroner holding an inquiry is not bound by the rules of evidence and may conduct an inquiry in any manner he reasonably thinks fit.
Adjournment of inquiry
38. A Coroner holding an inquiry in any place may adjourn the inquiry to another day and order the adjourned inquiry to be held in the same or any other place.
Adjournment of inquiry when criminal proceedings commenced
39.—(1) If, before the conclusion of an inquiry by a Coroner, any person is charged with any offence under—
- (a) Chapter XVI of the Penal Code (Cap. 224);
- (b) section 64, 65 or 66 of the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276); or
- (c) Part IV of the Workplace Safety and Health Act (Cap. 354A),
in relation to an act which caused or could have caused the death which is the subject of the inquiry, the Coroner shall adjourn the inquiry until after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
(2) Where a Coroner resumes an inquiry after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings referred to in subsection (1), he shall continue with the inquiry from the stage at which it was adjourned, provided that at the resumed inquiry no finding shall be made which is inconsistent with the result of those criminal proceedings.
(3) If, having regard to the result of the criminal proceedings referred to in subsection (1), there has been a finding in those proceedings as to the cause of and circumstances connected with the death, and the Coroner decides not to resume the inquiry, he shall—
- (a) endorse his record and the certificate required under section 42 accordingly; and
- (b) send a copy of the certificate referred to in section 42 each to the Public Prosecutor and the Commissioner of Police.
