HealthJuly 14, 2026
inquest
/ˈɪnkwest/
Definition
A formal legal investigation conducted by a coroner to determine the facts and causes surrounding an unexplained or unnatural death.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'enqueste,' meaning inquiry or search, which traces back to the Latin 'inquisita,' the past participle of 'inquirere' (to inquire). It entered Middle English as a legal term for an official judicial examination.
In the news
In this article, the inquest was a legal proceeding that examined the circumstances of Lucy Curtis's death and identified critical failings by the healthcare unit. It highlights why such investigations are vital for uncovering institutional negligence.
'Action on bullying at Bristol unit might have saved my daughter'
Read the full article ↗BBC