Legal Definitions - Great Inquest

Definition: Great Inquest refers to an inquiry into a certain matter by a jury empaneled for that purpose. It can also refer to an impeachment proceeding or a survey of lands resulting in the Domesday Book. However, the term is most commonly used to describe an inquiry by a coroner or medical examiner, sometimes with the aid of a jury, into the manner of death of a person who has died under suspicious circumstances or in prison.

Examples:

• A coroner conducting an investigation into the death of a person who died under suspicious circumstances.
• A jury empaneled to investigate allegations of corruption against a public official.
• The survey of lands in England in 1085-1086 resulting in the Domesday Book.

The examples illustrate the different contexts in which the term "Great Inquest" can be used. In the first example, it refers to a legal investigation into the cause of death of a person. In the second example, it refers to an investigation into allegations of corruption. In the third example, it refers to a historical survey of lands.