The office of coroner in New South Wales derives from the legal framework inherited from the United Kingdom.
The governor's commission also entitled him to appoint others as coroners as required, and this was most likely to have been to justices of the peace.
Generally there are no appeals from the decision of a coroner, although there may be provision for the Supreme Court of Western Australia to grant prerogative relief in respect of the proceedings.
The State Coroner has the function to oversee and co-ordinate coronial services in Western Australia, ensure that all deaths and suspected deaths concerning which a coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquest are properly investigated, and ensuring that an inquest is held whenever it is required, and to issue guidelines to coroners to assist them in the exercise or performance of their functions.
The Governor on the recommendation of the Attorney General may also appoint a Deputy State Coroner.