The Clark County Board of County Commissioners, concerned that the coroner’s inquest process might have been in need of improvement, convened a nine-person panel to study that process and make recommendations. That advisory committee reviewed the existing County code governing inquests (2.12.080), took input from citizens at public meetings and forwarded recommendations to the Commission by the latter’s November 16, 2010 meeting.

The existing coroner’s inquest process is the fact-finding procedure that takes place any time an individual dies at the hands of law enforcement. The purpose of an inquest hearing is to publicly bring forth all of the details surrounding the incident and leading to the death.  For your convenience, a video further explains the process.

The composition of the Commission’s inquest committee is designed to reflect the diversity of interests who have a stake in the process. The Committee is being chaired by UNLV law school professor Christopher Blakesley. Represented on it will be a retired Nevada Supreme Court justice, the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Police Protective Association, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Clark County Coroner’s Office.

Additional resources related to the Coroner's Inquest Review Panel include:

• Research and Support Materials 
• Proposed Amendments 
• Jury Instructions and Verdicts 
• Panel Members