Inquests

"Sixth.  It is indictable as a misdemeanor to bury one who died a sudden or violent death before the Coroner has sat upon them."

                             --Note Extracts Governing Allegheny County Coroner's Inquests

The County Coroner is required to hold an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding any "sudden or violent" death.  This includes suicides, homicides, and accidental deaths in addition to certain disease-related or simply unknown causes of death.