Inquest

[phleb]

Has anyone been at an inquest? What are their experiences and advise. Thank you.

[retrocop]

Quite informal but like a magistrates hearing.Witnesses are called and are questioned by the coroner and,if engaged, legal representatives.
Depending in the inquest you might have doctors and or members of the Emergency services who are called to give evidence.
Rules of evidence are less stringent and, if I recall correctly, hearsay is permitted. The inquest will not sentence people but the verdict may or may not lead to further criminal investigation.
Of course inquests at Coroner's court can deal with treasure trove etc.

[rowanwitch]

During my nurse training, it was quite strange just a formal way of getting to the facts about the deceased and their death. The coroner went out of his way to allow time for the non professionals to give evidence was a little firmer with the police. Some were very routine just a statement of facts and a ruling, but a couple took longer because there was conflicting evidence. Luckily I never had to attend after the death of my own patients, a colleague did and even though her actions were questioned and found to be contributory in the death she was still treated with a degree of sensitivity.

[bednobs]

are they open to the public?

[Eve]

I was looking up information about them recently for personal reasons. I found this information really helpful, there are options down the left hand side.

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/626/coroners/5533/the_inquest_system

[bednobs]

thanks, that really helpful