How does an inquest work?

muffler

Im not looking for the legalities or otherwise of this but just asking what format inquests take and what happens.

We have to go to one on Wednesday, just as support for a family member, but I was wondering whats the norm in relation to the format and layout. I know there will be a coroner there but is there a jury present in all cases? They are open to the public, yes? Do witnesses that have been summonsed to appear have to give direct evidence? Are witness statements normally just read out and if so by whom?

Basically any info that anyone can give would be much appreciated as it will give myself and my wife an indication as to what to expect.

Thanks in advance.

Ken.

You will be called in to the courtroom. The coroner will introduce him/herself and read out what the inquest is about. In the case of my uncle the person(Neighbour) who first noticed he'd been missing for a few days was called to the stand.

He basically said he was worried, looked through the window, thought he saw something and rang the Gardai.
Then the Garda who first responded got on the stand and outlined what he done. Looked through the window, concerned enough to break a window and get in and found the body.

Then my other uncle got up and described getting a phone call from the garda and being asked to come identify the body. Then the coroner read out what the score was in regard to the cause of death.

Be prepare for this bit cause they read out all sorts like the weight and general health of all the major organs. Basically something like "liver, 20grams and pink. Not the cause of death". Etc.

In the case of statements all 3 witnesses were allowed to read out their statements and afterwards were asked was their anything they'd like to add and were they happy for the statement to go on record. In the case of my uncle who had to take the stand the coroner told him to take his time, don't rush and if he needed to take a break for a drink of water or something it would be no problem.

Little CuChulainn

The formalities differ depending on where it is held and what kind of case it is. Sometimes it is held in a courtroom, sometimes in a board room in a hospital. I think it's even been known to happen in a pub. In most cases the coroners clerk will read out the statements given and if the witness is there ask them to sign the statement. Sometimes if the witness is there they will read out the statement themselves. The coroner will give the medical findings and interpret them. Members of the public may ask questions of a witness if they wish something clarified. Then the coroner, or jury, will give a verdict.

muffler

Thanks ken. Thats really helpful as it seems like it takes a similar format to a court case but without the cross examination etc.

I dont want to say too much about the matter but the inquest concerns the death of the driver / sole occupant of a car that crashed into a lorry. The Gardai have already indicated the lorry driver is not being prosecuted so in a way that seems to possibly make things a little easier...if thats the correct phrase.

The family have already obtained copies of statements etc in advance from the coroner's office which up to last week I wasnt even aware that such a thing was possible so hopefully the "gory" bits wont come as a major shock to the loved ones on the day.

While we arent witnesses myself and my wife just need "to be there" for someone.