---
title: "Issues-to-witness matrix for an inquest"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/coronial-inquests/inquest-issues-to-witness-matrix"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a61-inquest-issues-to-witness-matrix"
area_id: "A61"
kind: "checklist"
ai_level: "green"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A61-V20261018-5"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-18"
---

# 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.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/coronial-inquests/inquest-issues-to-witness-matrix  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-18

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

- Kind: Checklist. Steps or checks to work through and tick off.
- Practice area: [Coronial Inquests](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/coronial-inquests.md)
- Jurisdictions: New South Wales
- AI level: Green. AI can do most of the drafting. A lawyer still reviews the result.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-18
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-18 against the 2 authorities it cites, for New South Wales.

## 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

- [Build the issues-to-witness matrix for an inquest](https://ailawframework.com/practice/coronial-inquests.md#A61-V20261018-5)

## 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

## Authorities

- [Coroners Act 2009 (NSW) s 57(2) (a person granted leave may examine and cross-examine witnesses on matters relevant to the proceedings)](https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2009-041)
- [Coroners Act 2009 (NSW) s 81(1) (findings as to identity, date and place, and manner and cause of death)](https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2009-041)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/coronial-inquests/inquest-issues-to-witness-matrix and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*