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.

In what circumstances is an inquest held?

Inquests are held only in certain circumstances, such as where a death was sudden and the cause is unknown, where someone has died an unnatural or violent death, or where someone has died in a place or circumstance where there is legal requirement to hold an inquest, for example in prison custody or whilst sectioned ...

What is an inquest when is it done?

Inquest is defined as an informal and summary investigation conducted by a public prosecutor in criminal cases involving persons arrested and detained without the benefit of a warrant of arrest issued by the court.