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Jurisdiction
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Inquests of persons who died
1. A violent or unnatural death
2. Died from an unknown cause or
3. Died in prison.
…that occur in the district for which he is appointed.
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Only exception to the rule that all criminal cases start in Magistrates Courts |
If the verdict of the court is murder by a named person, the coroner may commit that person for trial. In this respect, the court is similar to the preliminary hearing of the magistrates' court. |
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Treasure Trove |
Treasure trove is gold, silver or coins, etc., which have been deliberately hidden and the owner of which is unknown.
Treasure trove belongs to the Crown. However, it is often the practice for the Crown to pay a reward, based on the value of the property, to those who have not concealed the find.
If the treasure is simply lost or misplaced for some reason, the finder acquires a good title (becomes the owner); the real owner is still the real owner.
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Treasure Act 1996
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Treasure is-
Any object at least 300 years old when found which-
1. Is not a coin but has metallic content of which at least 10 per cent by weight is precious metal;
2. When found, is one of at least two coins in the same find which are at least 300 years old at that time and have that percentage of precious metal; or
3. When found, is one of at least ten coins in the same find which are at least 300 years old at that time;
Any object at least 200 years old when found which is of outstanding historical, archaeological or cultural importance.
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Constitution |
Coroners are either barristers, solicitors or medical practitioner of five years' standing.
Appointed by county, and certain borough councils to act within the district of the county or borough.
May be removed from office by the Lord Chancellor for misbehaviour.
May, and sometimes must summon a jury of between seven to 11 members.
The jury's verdict need not be unanimous.
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