Coroners in Great Britain may be given broader powers and authority to investigate suspicious deaths. This represents more of a reversal to a past status quo than a reform, but an improvement it would certainly be. It is a move the U.S. ought to watch, study and consider emulating. Coroners used to hold inquests -- trial-like proceedings involving a small jury charged reviewing and classifying questioned deaths -- but this judicial tool has atrophied from the criminal justice system for a variety of reasons, including lack of use.