The purpose of an inquest is to find out who died and how, where and when the death occurred.
Inquests also deal with interesting items such as treasure trove.
The purpose of an inquest is not to apportion blame merely to find out the facts. The verdict cannot determine civil or criminal liability. All proceedings at a Coroners Court are overseen by a Coroner or a deputy Coroner. He or she is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Secretary of State and will either be a Barrister a Solicitor or a Doctor of Medicine. The day to day administration of a Coroners court is run by a police officer attached to the Coroner as his aid.