In a county that does not have a medical examiner's office, who is responsible for all tangible evidence accumulated in the course of an inquest?

In a county that does not have a medical examiner's office, the responsibility for all tangible evidence accumulated during an inquest falls to the justice of the peace of that county. This is primarily because the justice of the peace typically presides over inquests involving unexplained deaths or circumstances surrounding a death. They are tasked with conducting investigations, which includes the management and preservation of physical evidence relevant to the case.

The role of the justice of the peace in this context is critical since they serve as a local judicial figure capable of ensuring that evidence is handled in accordance with legal standards, maintaining the integrity of the investigation. Their involvement is essential for both legal proceedings and the overall administration of justice in situations where formal medical oversight is not present. This reinforces the importance of maintaining proper evidence handling protocols in the absence of a medical examiner, ensuring that all findings are verifiable and reliable for any subsequent legal actions.