inquest

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inquest

inquest in law, a body of men appointed by law to inquire into certain matters. The term also refers to the inquiry itself as well as to the findings of the inquiry. The most usual form of inquest today is that conducted by the coroner to discover the cause of a death that was sudden, violent, or occurred in prison. This inquest is similar to the proceedings of a grand jury . Witnesses are called, but a person suspected of guilt is not permitted to make a defense. Natural death, accidental death, suicide, and murder are among the possible findings. Criminal prosecution may follow a verdict of murder or culpable accident.

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inquest

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Â© A Dictionary of Nursing 2008, originally published by Oxford University Press 2008. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

inquest (in-kwest) n. an official judicial enquiry into the cause of a person's death: carried out when the death is sudden or takes place under suspicious circumstances. See also autopsy.

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World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

inquest Inquiry into the manner of death of a person who has been killed, died in prison, died unexpectedly or under suspicious circumstances.

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