Most statutes require that a coroner make a preliminary inquiry into the cause of death before summoning a jury. Time and Place The general requirement is that an inquest be held immediately upon the notice to the coroner of the death or discovery of the dead body.

Why would an inquest be held?

An inquest is an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a death. The purpose of the inquest is to find out who the deceased person was and how, when and where they died and to provide the details needed for their death to be registered. It is not a trial.

What triggers a coroners inquest?

A Coroner must investigate a death in his/her jurisdiction if there is reason to suspect that: The death is violent or unnatural. The cause of death is unknown. The death occurred whilst the deceased person was in custody (such as a prison, police cell or psychiatric hospital)