What is a judicial inquest?

An inquest is, basically, a judicial inquiry in order to ascertain the facts of an incident. The function and purpose of the Inquest Act 1959 is to provide for the holding of these kinds of inquiries in cases of deaths (or alleged deaths) which have occurred other than from natural causes.

What is the purpose of an inquest?

An inquest is an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a death. The purpose of the inquest is to find out who the deceased person was and how, when and where they died and to provide the details needed for their death to be registered. It is not a trial.

What is inquest and its types?

AN INQUEST IS AN ENQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF DEATH. or AN INQUEST IS A LEGAL INQUIRY INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE CAUSE OF DEATH OF A DECEASED PERSON IN CASES OF SUDDEN, SUSPICIOUS AND UNNATURAL DEATHS. 3. TYPES OF INQUEST 1. POLICE INQUEST 2. MEDICAL EXAMINER’S INQUEST.

Who institutes a judicial inquest?

An inquest shall be held by the magistrate of the district in which the death is alleged to have occurred, or in case of any doubt or dispute as to such district or whenever the Minister or any person authorized. thereto 9Y him deems it expedient, by any magistrate designated by the Minister or person so authorized.

What happens at an inquest?

An inquest is an investigation into the facts of how your relative has died. A coroner will look at different information and decide the cause of death. The coroner will tell the next of kin, or the personal representative, when your relative’s inquest will take place.

Does an inquest have a jury?

At most inquests there is no jury and the Coroner decides the conclusion on their own. However, occasionally a jury is needed. If there is a jury, it does not significantly change how the inquest runs. You will notice them in court while all the witnesses give their evidence.

What happens during an inquest?

Who prepared inquest report?

The police, on receipt of an information about the suspicious death, shall register an FIR under Section 174 of CrPC and thereafter proceed to the scene of occurrence to prepare an Inquest Report and a rough sketch of the place of occurrence in the presence of neighbours.

How long does an inquest take?

Some inquests only take a few hours, but others can take several days or weeks. Article 2 inquests may take longer.

How is inquest proceedings done?

An inquest report is made primarily to look into the causes of unnatural death. In the case of unnatural death, the circumstances have to be examined. In the circumstances of unnatural death, it is the duty of the State to ascertain the cause of death and accordingly take further measures.

How long does an inquest last?

What is the meaning of inquest in law?

In general usage, inquest is also used to mean any investigation or inquiry. An inquest uses witnesses, but suspects are not permitted to defend themselves. The verdict can be, for example, natural death, accidental death, misadventure, suicide, or murder.

When are inquests conducted in the UK?

Generally, inquests are conducted only when deaths are sudden or unexplained. An inquest may be called at the behest of a coroner, judge, prosecutor, or, in some jurisdictions, upon a formal request from the public.

Can evidence from an inquest be used in a civil case?

Whether the evidence presented at an inquest can be used in subsequent civil actions depends on the jurisdiction, though at common law, the inquest verdict was admissible to show cause of death. Coroners’ reports and findings, on the other hand, are generally admissible.

Who conducts inquests in the US?

In the United States, inquests are generally conducted by coroners, who are generally officials of a county or city. These inquests are not themselves trials, but investigations.