Note 637 — MAGNA CARTA. (continued 3)

The Forma procedendi of 1194 is usually considered the earliest distinct reference to the office of coroner. Dr. Gross, however (History of Office of Coroner, 1892, and Select Cases from Coroners’ Rolls, 1896), claims to have found traces of their existence at a much earlier date. Prof. Maitland remains unconvinced (Eng. Hist. Rev., VIII. 758, and Pollock and Maitland, I. 519).