Coroner
a functionary whose name coroner-anciently coronator, from Lat. corona a crown-implies that he has principally to do with pleas of the crown or in which at least the crown is concerned. His office is very ancient, men tion being made of it in A. D. 925. His court is a court of record in which, after sight of the body of one who has died in prison, or so suddenly that suspicions of violence may be excited, a jury summoned for the purpose pronounce decision as to the cause of death. "Accidental death" is a frequent verdict, but there are cases in which it is "Willful murder against some person or persons unknown," or an individual is named. In this the proceedings under the auspices of the coroner prepare the way for a criminal prosecution. He also officiates as a sheriff's substitute when the sheriff himself is interested in a suit, and cannot therefore act in it himself. From four to six are appointed for each coun- 11-Vol. III-Cyc CORONIS ty in England. In the United States the coroner is an elective county officer.
His duties are similar to those of a coroner in England.