IT is no inglorious vanity in Englishmen to consider the laws of their country afford an example for other nations to follow. Founded on the lasting rock of integrity, shewn in the strict regard for the liberty of the subject, they command the obedience and the admiration of thousands. But events, as they transpire, unfold the humiliating circumstance, that blemishes dimly seen in the distance become prominent on the near approach of extending knowledge; thus disclosing the fact, that this is a progressionary as well as a probationary world in which we live, and that perfection in human institutions cannot be attained, unless, through the power of an Infinite Being, the mortal in his earthly career be permitted to assume immortality. Trial by jury appears the great feature by which the laws are regarded; and a better test for its usefulness cannot be pourtrayed than when with becoming dignity, discrimination, and foresight, it is employed to search into the cause of the death of a fellow creature; consequently no judge in the lands hold a higher position than a coroner, for almost unlimited power is allowed, perfectly in accordance with the sacred trust imposed upon him. But the responsibility attached to office, involves duties of extraordinary character; and the public have a right to expect that efficient pains-taking persons should be appointed, so that enquiries should be conducted in a clear, straightforward, impartial, manner; otherwise innocence might be tarnished, criminals might escape, and laws—coeval with life, framed for its protection—might be considered non-entities. Coroners are officers at common law, because they deal principally with the pleas of the crown; and, possibly, the name may be derived from the manner of holding the inquest in _corona popupuli_. The Lord Chief Justice of the Queen’s Bench is, by virtue of his office, principal coroner of England; and may, if he pleases, exercise the jurisdiction of coroner in any part of the realm. In former days they were the principal conservators, and principal magistrates, within their counties, and they may now bind to the peace any person who make an affray in their presence. The office of Coroner is of great antiquity, for in the days of Alfred, King of England, they existed, for he punished with death, a judge who sentenced a party to suffer death upon the coroner’s record, without allowing the culprit to traverse or be tried in another court. Coroners were ordinarily made by grant or commission, without election—such are the coroners of particular lords of liberties or franchises, who by charter, have power to create their own coroners, or to be coroners themselves. Thus, the Lord Mayor of London, is by charter of 18 Edward the Fourth, Coroner of London. The Bishop of Ely also has power to make coroners in the Isle of Ely, by charter of Henry the Seventh—Queen Catherine had the hundred of Colridge granted her by Henry the Eighth, with power to nominate coroners.