Inquest

An inquiry by a jury, duly impaneled by the proper officer, into any cause, civil or criminal; also, such jury itself.

Compare Inquikt, 2, 3.

Coroner's inquest

An inquiry by a coroner, assisted by a jury, into the manner of death of one who has been killed, or died suddenly or in prison. See Coroner. Grand inquest. The grand jury, q. v. Inquest of lands; sheriffs inqviisition. In Pennsylvania, after a sherifiE has levied upon a debtor's realty, he summons a jury of at least six men who ascertain whether the rents and profits of the estate, beyond aU reprises, will be sufficient, within seven years, to satisfy the judgment and costs of suit. The right to the proceeding is frequently waived.' Inquest of ofllee. A method of redress- • ing an injury which the crown (state) receives from a subject. An inquiry made by a sheriff, coroner, escheator, or commissioners specially appointed, concerning any matter that entitles the king to the possession of lands or tenements, goods or chattels; as, reversions accruing to the crown, escheats, forfeitures, whether one is a lunatic and what property he has, the fact of a wreck, of treasure-trove, etc. Also known as " ofl Bce found,"' q. v. nfQUIEY. A seeking: search, investigation. Compare Inquest.

1.

When there are facts sufficient to put a man of ordinary caution upon inquiry, the means of knowing and knowledge itself are, in legal effect, the same thing.

See further Knowledge, 1; Notice, 1. 2.

In the oath of grand jurors " diligently inquire" means diligently inquire into the circumstances of the charges, the credibility of the witnesses, and, from the whole, judge whether the accused ought to be put upon trial.* 3. A writ by which the sheriff is directed to summon a jury to ascertain the damages due from a defendant against whom there has been an interlocutory judgment, entered either by default or by confession, the amount not being ascertainable by mere calculation.'

13 Bl. Com. 381, 172, H5, 108. 2 See 1 Bright. T. & H. Pr. §§ 1222-36. >3 Bl. Com. 258; 2 Kent, 10, 33. * Eespublica v. Shaffer, 1 Ball. *237 (1788). » See 3B1. Com. 398; Hanley u. Sutherland, 74 Me. 213