Inquests

What is an inquest?

An inquest is an inquiry that establishes the facts surrounding a death. It answers the questions who, when, where, and how. The inquest is run by the coroner and held before a jury. It is usually a public inquiry open to anyone who wants to attend.

At the end of the inquest the jury will issue its findings and may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

Though inquests are distressing, many families want to know how their family member died. This can be helpful in working through the grief.

When is an inquest held?

There are a number of circumstances surrounding a death which require the death to be reported to a coroner. In some of those instances, the coroner may deem it necessary to conduct an investigation to determine more information about the cause of death or the identity of the deceased.

If it appears necessary at the conclusion of the investigation, the coroner, with the approval of the Chief Coroner, will hold an inquest. The inquest will be held to

• determine the identity of the deceased person and learn more about how, when, where and by what means he or she died;
• inform the public of the circumstances surrounding a death;
• raise awareness about dangerous practices or conditions and lead to recommendations that can help avoid preventable deaths in future; or
• educate the public about dangerous practices or conditions to avoid preventable deaths.

A coroner will also hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate in a jail, lock-up, correctional facility or other institution, unless the death was due to natural causes and the coroner is satisfied that the death was not preventable.

Who takes part in an inquest?

The inquest is run by the coroner before a jury of six people. The coroner has the power to summon witnesses. The coroner, the coroner's attorney, the jury and the family or a third party granted standing by the coroner may all examine witnesses about the circumstances surrounding the death which is being investigated.