An
inquest is a judicial inquiry in
common law jurisdictions, particularly one held to determine the cause of a person's
death. Conducted by a
judge,
jury, or government official, an inquest may or may not require an
autopsy carried out by a
coroner or
medical examiner. Generally, inquests are only conducted when deaths are sudden or unexplained. An inquest may be called at the behest of a
coroner,
judge,
prosecutor, or, in some jurisdictions, upon a formal request from the public. A
coroner's jury may be convened to assist in this type of proceeding.
Inquest can also mean such a jury and the result of such an investigation. In general usage,
inquest is also used to mean any investigation or inquiry.