The Inquest Handbook
By: Hugh Selby
About This Book
The book explains the role and objectives of the inquest. It highlights the forms of investigations in several types of fatal accident and gives guidance about the central legal issues and matters of case preparation and presentation. Starting with chapters on the law and the lawyer's preparation, it then discusses what the police do and why, the place of the autopsy, coroner's enquiries and recommendations, and the reasons for and extent of media interest. It covers the forms of investigations in road accidents, natural disasters, drug overdoses, medical or surgical mishaps, pathology and sudden unexpected infant death. It emphasises that inquests are collaborative ventures, often multi-disciplinary events and multi-party, too. Derrick W Hand, New South Wales State Coroner, recommends the book:"The Inquest Handbook is of great importance because it contains up-to-date, comprehensive information by persons considered expert in their field. Not only will it help those working in the coronial jurisdiction, it will also help others to understand the coronial process."
AI Overview
"The Inquest Handbook" by Hugh Selby is a comprehensive guide to inquests, particularly focusing on the Australian context. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Role and Objectives of Inquests: The book explains the purpose and objectives of inquests, which are investigations into deaths to determine the cause and circumstances of the death.
- Forms of Investigations: It details various forms of investigations used in different types of death incidents, including traffic accidents, natural disasters, drug overdoses, medical or surgical mishaps, and sudden infant death.
- Legal Issues and Case Preparation: The handbook provides guidance on central legal issues related to inquests and offers advice on case preparation and presentation.
- Investigative Methods: It outlines the investigative methods used by coroners, attorneys, and police during an inquest.
- Autopsy and Coroners’ Inquiries: The text discusses the role of autopsy in determining the cause of death and the process of coroners’ inquiries.
- Media Interest and Public Awareness: It addresses the reasons for and the extent of media interest in inquests and the importance of public awareness.
- National Coroners’ Information System: The book details the benefits and components of a national coroners’ information system and notes the progress made by the Australian Coroners’ Society in implementing this system.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to assist various stakeholders involved in inquests, including coroners, attorneys, police, families, and survivors of the deceased. It covers individual sections that explain:
- The law regarding inquests
- The attorney’s preparation
- The role of the police in investigations
- The significance of autopsy findings
- Coroners’ inquiries and recommendations
- Media interest and public awareness
- Investigative methods related to different types of deaths
Critical Reception
While there is no specific critical reception available in the search results, the book is described as containing up-to-date, comprehensive information by persons considered expert in their field. It is highlighted as being of great importance for its detailed guidance on inquests, making it a valuable resource for those involved in these investigations.
Additional Context
The book was published in 1998 and is 249 pages long, indicating a thorough and detailed approach to the subject matter. It includes figures, photographs, footnotes, and chapter reference lists to enhance its utility as a reference guide.
In summary, "The Inquest Handbook" by Hugh Selby is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the role, objectives, and procedures of inquests, particularly in the Australian context. It is a valuable resource for those involved in inquests, including coroners, attorneys, police, and families of the deceased.