What
is a Coroner's Inquest?
A
Coroner’s Inquest is an inquiry into the manner and cause of
an individual’s death, conducted by the Coroner or Deputy
Coroner with a court reporter and six jurors present. The
jurors are citizens of the county in which the death took
place.
The
purpose of an inquest is to present information
concerning the victim’s death in order for the jury to
determine the cause and manner of a death. The cause of death
is often readily apparent and obvious, based on the facts,
circumstances, medical evidence and in some cases, toxicology
and autopsy results. The real essence of the jurors’
responsibility is to establish the manner of death (Suicide,
Homicide, Accident, Natural or Undetermined).
The
Coroner will summon to the inquest the individuals who have
pertinent information concerning the incident. This often
includes, but is not limited to, the person who found the
deceased, witnesses to the incident, those involved, police
officers and investigators, and in some instances, a direct
relative. Individuals summoned will present testimony to the
jury. Any professional reports (autopsy, toxicology, x-ray and
laboratory reports) will be presented at that time. These
reports are not released to the public until the inquest
procedures are concluded.
All
information and testimony at the inquest is recorded and/or
transcribed by a certified court reporter. The inquest is open
to the public and may not be closed pursuant to any requests
to do so. Anyone may attend.
Upon
completion of the testimony, the Coroner’s jury will
deliberate in private. They may request additional testimony,
evidence, or conference as they deem necessary. When the jury
has concluded their deliberations, they will issue a verdict
through the foreman as to the cause and manner of death(
accident, homicide, natural, suicide or undetermined).
The
Corner’s verdict has no civil or criminal trial
significance. The verdict and inquest proceedings are merely
fact finding in nature and statistical in purpose. However, if
a person is implicated as the unlawful slayer of the deceased
or accessory thereto, an arrest may be affected. This is
extremely rare, as this function is now performed by the
State’s Attorney’s grand jury proceedings.
The
testimony presented at the inquest is sworn and under oath and
properly documented and/or recorded. Because of this,
testimony may subsequently be used in perjury proceedings if
such testimony should change in future civil or criminal trial
proceedings.
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