Nichols, 021076 MSAGO, 1976-0011

• Case Date: February 10, 1976
• Court: Mississippi

Honorable Aubrey E. Nichols No. 1976-0011 Mississippi Attorney General Opinions February 10, 1976          Honorable Aubrey E. Nichols          Attorney          Lowndes County Board of Supervisors          P. O. Box 32          Columbus, Mississippi 39701          Dear Mr. Nichols:          This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 9, 1976, which inquiry the Attorney General has assigned to me for research and reply.          You inquire as to what deaths are excluded by the language “violent, sudden or casual deaths” under Section 19-21-11, Mississippi Code of 1972 . You ask specifically whether a coroner has authority under said statute to order an inquest in cases where there is no evidence of any sort indicating anything other than death by natural causes.          You further inquire as to whether a coroner who has been erroneously allowed excessive fees in the past may be required to repay to the county such overpayment.          It is my opinion that the words “violent, sudden or casual deaths” excludes any death not caused in that manner. It is further my opinion that a coroner has no authority under the statute to order an inquest in any case where there is no evidence of any sort indicating anything other than death by natural causes.          For your further information and further clarification of your inquiry, I enclose a copy of an opinion of this office to Mr...