What is a Coroners Inquest?
A coroner’s inquest is neither a civil nor a criminal trial proceeding. It is simply an inquiry into the manner and cause of an individual’s death. An inquest is conducted by the coroner or deputy coroner with a court reporter or tape recorder and six jurors present. The jurors are citizens of Stephenson County, the county in which the death took place. The inquest takes place in the Stephenson County Courthouse usually in the County Board Room. The purpose of the inquest is to present pertinent information concerning the victim’s death in order for the jury to arrive at a cause and manner of death. The cause of death is often readily apparent and obvious, based on the facts, circumstances, medical evidence and in some cases, toxicology and autopsy results. The real essence of the jurors’ responsibility is to establish the manner of death (suicide, homicide, accident, natural or undetermined). The coroner will summon to the inquest the individuals who have pertinent information concern
