Coroner's Opening Address To Jury
1
Coroner:- M.W. FUNG, Esq.
Coroner's Officer:- A.F. Blair, Inspector.
Date :-
15th January, 1970.
Magistracy :- Western.
Death Inquiry No.:- 4/70(HK)
Deceased:- TANG Chuen (M), 54 years.
Jury:- (1)
Mr. George S.P. McGaw
Foreman (sworn/affirmed)
(2)
Mr. Ho Hoo Chong, G.
Member (sworn/affirmed)
(3)
Mr. Lee Chuen Sun
Member (sworn/affirmed)
Coroner's address to Jury:-
This is a death inquiry touching the death of
Tang Chuen
A Coroner's Court has jurisdiction when a death was unnatural
(in suspicious circumstances) or death was sudden (from unknown causes)
or death was by accident or violence or death was of a person in
official custody (i.e. in detention by the Police, the Prisons
Department, or in Reformatory School etc., or in place of refuge or
in mental hospital).
The purpose of a Death Inquiry is a public enquiry into
the circumstances of the death.
The function of this Court (i.e. Coroner & Jury) is to hear
evidence of witnesses and see exhibits produced and, if necessary, ask witnesses certain questions in order to determine or ascertain:-
(1) Who died,
(2) When and where death occurred, and above all,
(3) What caused that death.
Regarding liability, the Court is not concerned with civil
liability, but only with criminal liability, if any.
Verdict may be accompanied by a rider for the purpose only
of recommending prevention of similar fatality in future. Verdict
is entirely in hands of Jury as judges of fact in this factual
inquiry.
Jurors are well advised to make notes
Djst evidence
for reference and queries although the Coroner will sut up the
evidence with comments and directions at the end 1. this inquiry.
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