1. An inquiry by a coroner or medical examiner, sometimes with the aid of a jury, into the manner of death of a person who has died under suspicious circumstances, or who has died in prison.
— Also termed coroner’s inquest; inquisition after death. [Cases: Coroners 9; Homicide 1110. C.J.S. Coroners and Medical Examiners §§ 10–11, 14.]
2. An inquiry into a certain matter by a jury empaneled for that purpose.
3. The finding of such a specially empaneled jury.
4. A proceeding, usu. ex parte, to determine, after the defendant has defaulted, the amount of the plaintiff’s damages. Cf. INQUISITION.
grand inquest.
1. An impeachment proceeding.
2. Hist. (cap.) The survey of the lands of England in 1085–1086, by order of William the Conqueror, and resulting in the Domesday Book.
— Also termed Great Inquest; Grand Survey; Great Survey. See DOMESDAY BOOK.
3. Hist. Grand jury.
inquest of office. Hist. An inquest conducted by a coroner, sheriff, or other royal officer into the Crown’s right to property by reason of escheat, treason, or other ground of forfeiture.
5. WARDMOTE.
