The office of coroner in Tasmania derives from the legal framework inherited from the United Kingdom.
The lieutenant 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.
[2] There may also be power for the Supreme Court of Tasmania to grant prerogative relief in respect of the proceedings.
The Chief Magistrate has the function to oversee and co-ordinate coronial services in Tasmania, 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 secretary of the Department of Justice may appoint a public servant to be a Chief Clerk or Coroner’s Associate.