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inquest

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The definition of an inquest is an investigation or inquiry into something, especially a court inquiry into the cause of death.

(noun)

When an autopsy is performed to determine the cause of death and law enforcement investigates to determine if a homicide occurred, this is an example of an inquest.

See inquest in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a judicial inquiry, as a coroner's investigation of a death
the jury or group holding such an inquiry
the verdict of such an inquiry

Origin: ME enqueste < OFr < VL *inquaesita, fem. pp. of *inquaerere: see inquire

See inquest in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Law
a. A judicial inquiry into a matter usually held before a jury, especially an inquiry into the cause of a death.
b. A jury making such an inquiry.
c. The finding based on such an inquiry.
An investigation or inquiry. See Synonyms at inquiry.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English enqueste

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *inquaesīta, thing inquired into

Origin: , alteration of Latin inquīsīta

Origin: , feminine past participle of inquīrere, to inquire into; see inquire

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