Precognition - what does this mean?

[MadMarchMare]

I have come across a few death certificates while researching my family tree and some say "As A Result Of Precognition". I assumed that this was suicide, but then one cause of death was "cerebral haemorrhage"

Grateful for any help!

[SandraC]

Hi

My dictionary says:

precognition - sc law - preliminary examination of witnesses etc especially in order to know whether there is ground for trial

I guess this might mean a preliminary examination for coroner's inquest or equivalent if they are all sudden or unexplained deaths

Regards
SandraC

[Boomerang]

Hi

Not sure if this will answer your question, but found it while googling!

http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/p/precognition.html

Regards.....Steve

[MadMarchMare]

OK, thanks for your help folks. Steve, hmmm, very interesting, but such a loooooong read

[Boomerang]

I thought I best send the full read as I was unsure how to put it all into my own words!     

[JAP]

MadMarchHare,

Scotland does not have coroner's inquests.

However, cases of sudden, unexplained or suspicious death are investigated by the Procurator Fiscal.  The PF carries out what is referred to in Scotland as a Precognition - which is (in this particular sense of the word), as SandraC said, a preliminary examination of witnesses and relevant people - in order to determine whether the matter should go to trial.

Precognitions are, of course, not limited to deaths but apply to any matter where there is a need to determine whether there should be a criminal prosecution. I have pages and pages of the records of a precognition in the case of a person who ended up being prosecuted for (and, in 1848, convicted of) the crime of forgery and uttering.

You can read more about the Office of the Procurator Fiscal at:
http://www.procuratorfiscal.gov.uk/About

Regards,

JAP
PS: The above site has a search facility.  If you search for 'precognition' it leads you to a PDF document which explains modern day precognitions.  

[MadMarchMare]

Thanks Jap, the muddy waters are beginning to clear ...!

[Jaxmax31]

Hi did you get any further with the  'Result of precognition'.  I have found a member of my families death registration with this on it.  No other cause of death and the death was registered by the chief constable.  Also says ' in a drain in barefoot' … which makes no sense at all.

thanks for any enlightenment you can give

Jax

[Forfarian]

Can you post an extract from the death certificate so we can see if we can make out the bit that makes no sense?