What is an inquest?
An inquest is a legal public inquiry (hearing) into the manner of death in which the Coroner and six jurors sit in a quasi-judicial fashion, and evidence is presented (medical, investigative and legal) to determine the manner and circumstances surrounding a death. Inquests assist the following: public health agencies, public and private organizations and law enforcement agencies in an attempt to detect foul play or hazardous conditions. Family members may attend and learn all the facts surrounding the death of a loved one. However, as of January 1, 2007, it is no longer mandatory by state law, for a Coroner to conduct formal inquests. The Lake County Coroner’s Office now conducts internal case conferences to determine the manner of death (i.e., homicide, suicide, accident, undetermined) in all cases of unnatural deaths. These conferences are no less thorough than a formal inquest and provide the family with a more timely conclusion and issuance of the permanent death certificate.

Show All Answers

1. What is the duty of the Coroner as mandated by Illinois State Statute?
2. What is an inquest?
3. Who reports the death to the Coroner?
4. Who signs the death certificate?
5. What authority does the Coroner have in regard to investigation into the circumstances of the death?
6. What authority does the Coroner have in regards to the dead body?
7. What is an autopsy?
8. Does the family need to consent to an autopsy before the Coroner may authorize that one be performed?
9. What is a Coroner's case?
10. What are the responsibilities of the Coroner?