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ARTICLE · 25 MAY 2023

Responding To Coroner's Inquests And Investigations In Ontario

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A coroner's inquest is a hearing conducted by a coroner to determine the circumstances of a death. Coroner's inquests are held before a five-person jury and open to the public, except in rare circumstances.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
John Mather
John Mather
Max Libman
Max Libman
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What is a coroner's inquest?

A coroner's inquest is a hearing conducted by a coroner to determine the circumstances of a death. Coroner's inquests are held before a five-person jury and open to the public, except in rare circumstances. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many coroner's inquests have been livestreamed.

The Supreme Court of Canada has said the primary functions of a coroner's inquest include:

  • Providing clarity and closure regarding the circumstances of a death to limit conjecture or speculation about how a death occurred.
  • Educating the public regarding factors and circumstances that can put a human life at risk.
  • Reassuring the public that the government is acting to ensure that its guarantees relating to human life are duly respected.

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