CORONER'S INQUESTS. To the Editor of the New Zealander.

New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 486, 11 December 1850, Page 3

CORONER'S INQUESTS. To the Editor of the New Zealander.

Sm,— The recent incidental discussion that occmred, at the instance of the Resident Magistrate, in the course of the inquest upon the body of John Dair, with reference to the summoning of the jury, suggests serious considerations ou the whole subject of the Liwandprac* tice of Coroners. The question naturally aiises, — with whom does the discretion oi selecting Coroner's juries rest ? With the Coroner or with the Police 1 If with the latter, I must say, that I can see no diminished probability of having a packed jury, than if the whole selection remained in the hands of the Coroner. Nay, in cases where violence or ill-tieatment may have occasioned a prisoner's death, the Police would manifestly be more interested in summoning their friends* than a Coroner would be in taking an opposite couise. I have not the slightest suspicion that either the Coroner or the Police here could be capable of such a crime, but I think it right, when an indiscreet but apparently well 'intentioned proceeding of the Coroner has raised tins question, to show, tint other paitius would be equally liable to similar imputations. I sec no leason, why the selection should rest in the hands of either. Wheielhe guilty may escape, and the innocent suiter, no deliberate selection of judges should be allowed. Assimilate the jury of a Coroner's Inquest to the jury of a Supreme Court. Let chance determine on its individual members. You will then satisfy the suspicious jealousy of British freemen. The best possible guarantee will be then given for a fair trial of the question at issue. I remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, A. B, Dec. 10, 1850,