Having covered dozens of inquests since joining the Nottingham Post almost two years ago, I've quickly become familiar with how coronial proceedings work. So much so that I can now even recite an inquest opening and often don't need to introduce myself to coroners in court - they already know who I am.

What is harder to get used to, on the other hand, is introducing myself to the bereaved families and explaining to them why I’m there.

At best, my request can be met with a raised eyebrow, followed by an agreement from the family to pay tribute to their loved one.

At worst, I was blocked, physically, from entering the Council House, where proceedings of this kind take place, by one side of the deceased's family.

The other apologised profusely for the behaviour. The coroner did not intervene.

So why, in such difficult circumstances for everyone involved, do we cover inquests? Unlike what some might think, we’re not there to be nosy.

Inquests are held to establish the circumstances in which someone came by their death.

Whether we cover an inquest depends on a........

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