Inquest is an inquiry held by a group of people who have the legal right to make an investigation. The word inquest comes from the Latin word inquirere, meaning to inquire. Inquests are held to get various types of information. In the United States and Canada, the most common inquest is the coroner’s inquest. This type of inquest investigates a death when the cause is unknown or foul play is suspected. The coroner of a county or city chooses a jury, generally from the voter registration rolls. This jury reports its findings to the coroner. The coroner’s report may be used as the basis of a indictment (legal accusation). It may also be used later during a trial as evidence. See also Autopsy ; Medical examiner .
