Question Inquests

[Mabs]

so, what do they do, how long do they take, whats the usual format etc ?

any information would be good, dont really know anything about em

 

[Mey]

What kind of inquest?

 

[Bahumat]

Bum inquest?

 

[Scouse]

Surely that'd be a BumQuest?

Maybe even starring Roy Scheider?

BumQuest Deep Schlong inVasion?

....Sorry

 

[Zenith.UK]

so, what do they do, how long do they take, whats the usual format etc ?

any information would be good, dont really know anything about em

An inquest is to determine the FACTS of what is being investigated, and to give a verdict on culpability.

For example, an inquest into a suspicious death would take into account the circumstances leading up to the death, who discovered the body, the post-mortem examination and other witness statements that may have bearing. Depending on the nature of the inquest, the coroner can determine the verdict himself, or it may go to a jury to decide.

I have a transcript of the inquest into one of my ancestors who died in an industrial accident in the early 20th century. He died on the Monday, the inquest was called on the Thursday and verdict given by the end of the day. It is *possible* for an inquest to open, hear statements and come to a verdict in a day but not usual. Inquests typically take a couple of days to hear statements and examine evidence before taking another day or two to come to a decision.

Why are you asking?

 

[Mabs]

Why are you asking?

ta, thats pretty much what i wanted to know

having an inquest into my mums death next month, and didnt really know what it was about - i probably wont be able to go, so it was more so i know what to expect

 

[sayward]

Not a pleasant experience.

 

[Zenith.UK]

ta, thats pretty much what i wanted to know

having an inquest into my mums death next month, and didnt really know what it was about - i probably wont be able to go, so it was more so i know what to expect

Oh crap, I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't mean to sound so impersonal, so please forgive me if I came across like that.

You may be asked for a character statement just to get across what kind of woman your mum was. It's up to you, but I would make a specific point of taking the time to attend the inquest. You might not be a participant, but you are definitely an interested party and it could be that some unresolved aspects of the case can be put to rest.

An inquest is an investigation, and isn't adversarial like a court case.

I also made a slight mistake. A coroner doesn't apportion BLAME on any individual or corporate entity. They determine the lawfulness of the circumstances.
e.g. Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead by Police in the London Underground. Unlawful killing was withdrawn by the coroner as a verdict because the evidence to hand could not support that verdict. The jury had the option of lawful killing or an open verdict, and in the end they chose an open verdict.