ABSTRACT
Originally, as coroner and jury sat around the corpse to hold their inquest, hygienic considerations demanded rapid conclusion of the proceedings: as recently as 1882 a judicial obiter dictum recommended opening an inquest within several days of discovery of the body. An adjournment would also have given breathing space for emotions to the down a little. It seems unwise to decide to hold the inquest in the Calthorpe Arms, right on top of the scene of the affray. The dignity of the inquest proceedings would not be enhanced by association with the atmosphere of the sale of liquor and the type of person who frequented taverns in the early nineteenth century. This important inquest, which was to attract nationwide attention, was conducted in a manner which can only be described as remarkable. Nowadays, every inquest must be held in public, the only exception being when the interests of national security may be imperilled.
