The Irish Coroner: Death, murder and politics in Co. Monaghan, 1846-78

Coroners who conducted inquests into sudden and suspicious deaths in nineteenth century Ireland were viewed with disdain and disrespect in a society that was highly politicised and deeply divided. Whilst men who served in the role represented the authority of government and the need for social order and justice, it often put them at odds with Ireland’s local elite – particularly when identifying corruption, social and moral deficit and sectarian murder. Were coroners dishonest or did they s...