The first American coroner was Thomas Baldridge of St. Mary's, Maryland Colony, appointed on January 29, 1637.

In what circumstances were Coroners called upon?

The coroner's jurisdiction is limited to determining who the deceased was and how, when and where they came by their death. When the death is suspected to have been either sudden with unknown cause, violent, or unnatural, the coroner decides whether to hold a post-mortem examination and, if necessary, an inquest.

When would a death be referred to the coroner?

In most cases, a doctor or the police refer a death to the coroner. A death will be referred to the coroner if: it's unexpected, such as the sudden death of a baby (cot death) it's violent, unnatural or suspicious, such as a suicide or drug overdose.