You must answer all questions put to you, excepting such as would tend to incriminate yourself; before you answer such questions, the Coroner must warn you of the possible legal consequences if you answer.
There are no medical secrets which may be kept between a patient and his medical adviser when they are probed in a court of law: if, however, you strongly object to answer, appeal to the President of the Court, or answer in writing.
Think twice before adversely criticizing the actions of another medical man; remember, symptoms and signs may alter from day to day.
You may not quote text-books of living authors, but you may say what authors support your view.
If a text-book is quoted for or against you, strictly verify the text, the context, and the date of publication, before affirming or denying the quotation.
After giving evidence, hand in the labelled and numbered exhibits which have been handed to you by the police or found by yourself. “Real evidence” is, however, capable of fallacious handling, e.g., “Here’s the note! I made it at the time!”—but did you?
It may be wise to take an “anatomical” skull into court for illustration.
The body of the Coroner’s officer is always available for ocular demonstrations to the jury of the sites of injuries, etc.
If any important point has been omitted by the questions (e.g., of a non-medical Coroner), volunteer the undisclosed information which you possess.
In conclusion, state the probable cause of death, especially assuring the jury if it was, in your opinion, natural; and if it could have been retarded by efficient medical advice.