Coroners

A coroner's inquest is an inquiry, held in public in open court, to which witnesses are called to give evidence about the death in question. It is not a trial. Inquests do not establish if anyone was at fault or to blame for deaths. Matters of blame or fault can only be pursued in separate civil or criminal proceedings.

At the end of an inquest, the coroner may report the facts to an appropriate authority which may have power to prevent similar fatalities in future, but they cannot make recommendations or compel the authority to do anything. 

Some people, such as those who have an emotional or financial interest in the death, are allowed, as interested persons, to attend the hearing and take part in the enquiry. They can ask relevant questions of the witnesses, either themselves or through a lawyer.

Treasure

In addition to holding inquests into certain kinds of deaths, a coroner holds inquests into any treasure found in their district. The Treasure Act of 1996 widened the scope of treasure to include categories such as coins and other objects as well as gold and silver objects.