NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What is the primary aim of a coroner's inquest?

1. To determine the defendant's guilt

2. To establish the identity of the deceased and details of their death

3. To review court procedures

4. To seek justice for family members

The correct answer is: To establish the identity of the deceased and details of their death

The primary aim of a coroner's inquest is to establish the identity of the deceased and the details surrounding their death. This legal inquiry is conducted to find out how, when, and where a person died, focusing on the facts of the case rather than attributing guilt or fault to any individual. The purpose of the inquest is to gather information and documentation about the circumstances leading to the death, which can include witness testimonies and expert evaluations. While seeking justice for family members could be a consideration, it is not the primary focus of an inquest, as the inquest itself does not deal with legal culpability or liability. Similarly, reviewing court procedures is outside the scope of a coroner's inquest, as it specifically deals with death investigations rather than the judicial process itself. Lastly, a coroner's inquest does not aim to determine a defendant's guilt, as it does not function as a trial but instead serves as a fact-finding mission regarding a deceased individual's circumstances.