Inquest
When a jury is needed
Most inquests are carried out by the coroner alone. However, in some circumstances, the coroner willcall a jury to decide the verdict.
For example, a jury will be required ifthe death occurred in prison or in police custody, or ifthe death was the result of an accident at work.
The coroner can also call a jury at their own discretion.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about inquests, which are legal investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding a persons death, including how, when and why the death occurred.
What happens during an inquest?
An inquest will be opened soon after the death. This allowsthe death tobe recorded, the deceasedto be identified and thecoroner togive authorisation fora burial or cremation to take place as soon as p
When a jury is needed
Most inquests are carried out by the coroner alone. However, in some circumstances, the coroner willcall a jury to decide the verdict. For example, a jury will be required ifthe death occurred in pri
Relatives
Relatives of the deceased can attend an inquest and are able to ask the witnesses questions. However, they're only able to ask questions relating to the medical cause and circumstances of the death.
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