Coroners Court of Victoria conducts independent investigations into reportable deaths and fires, for the purpose of finding the cause of those deaths and fires. In doing so, the Court contributes to the reduction of the number of preventable deaths and fires, the promotion of public health and safety and the administration of justice.

Unlike other courts which are adversarial in nature, the Coroners Court is an inquisitorial jurisdiction. This means it actively investigates the matters before it – often taking steps of its own motion, but also responding to matters raised by parties who are affected by the outcome of the investigation.