Know nothing, Seen nothing

The coroner inquisitions, despite being morbid and often gruesome sights to behold, appear to have been community entertainment. I am reminded of the comical coroner scene in the mini-series Death Comes to Pemberly. In Greenville in February 1895, this guy went through the oath, standing in front of everyone, etc. to have absolutely nothing to add. "Jessie Ellis being sworn says - I know nothing of the shooting seen nothing of it. J. D. Ellis"