Checklist · Coronial Inquests
Issues-to-witness matrix for an inquest
A matrix mapping each issue on the inquest issues list to the witnesses, statements, exhibits and brief references that bear on it, with the client's questions for each witness and gaps to raise with counsel assisting.
- Kind
- Checklist. Steps or checks to work through and tick off.
- Where it applies
- New South Wales
- AI use
- Green AI can do most of the drafting. A lawyer still reviews the result.
- Law stated as at
- 18 October 2026
- Status
- Maintained. Checked on 18 October 2026 against the 2 authorities it cites, for New South Wales.
- Version
- 1
- Source
- Written for this library
When to use it
Use once the issues list and brief of evidence are served, to prepare for the hearing and for examination of witnesses after leave to appear is granted. It organises existing evidence; it does not create or outline any witness statement.
Used for these tasks
Each task page says how far AI may help with the task and what the lawyer must review.
How AI may be used
Within this fixed matrix, AI may index the brief against the issues list and list each witness's relevant statements and exhibits by reference; the lawyer checks the references and decides the questions and strategy.
AI may
- Index every statement and exhibit in the brief against the issues list, by page or paragraph reference
- List, for each witness, the issues their existing statement addresses
- Flag issues with no witness or document, for raising with counsel assisting
AI must not
- Must not draft, outline or suggest content for any witness statement
- Must not summarise what a witness will say beyond quoting the existing statement by reference
- Must not decide questions or strategy for examination
The lawyer checks
- Every reference checked against the brief
- Gaps raised with counsel assisting where appropriate
- Questions settled by the lawyer, with privilege and self-incrimination issues considered for the client's own witnesses
Method: how the Green, Yellow and Red levels are decided. This is guidance for planning, not legal advice.
Read the full text
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The summary, the law it rests on and the AI-use guidance above stay public. Privacy.
More in Coronial Inquests
- Coronial matter register and deadline list (NSW)
- Objection to a post mortem examination (Coroners Court of NSW): the senior next of kin's letter, the 48-hour notice and the Supreme Court application
- Application for leave to appear at an inquest: letter to the coroner (NSW, sufficient interest)
- Closing submissions on findings and recommendations at an inquest: structure and checklist (NSW)
- Organisation's response to coronial recommendations: letter and implementation register
All precedents for Coronial Inquests · Tasks and AI use in this area