Medical-Legal Death Investigation Terms Every state has a Medical-Legal Death Investigation system in place. It may be Autopsy: Examination of the statewide, regional or county based. organs and tissues to identify diseases and injuries to Some states have Medical Examiner determine the cause and systems where physicians (usually) are manner of death. appointed as Medical Examiners to oversee death investigations. Other states Cause of Death: The disease have elected Coroners. Forensic or injury that ultimately leads Medical-Legal Death pathologists, who are specially trained in to a person’s death. (e.g. the area of death investigation and medical Investigation and Autopsy stroke or heart attack) legal autopsies, may serve as Medical

Examiners or Coroners or work under Histology: The study of the these public officials providing their microscopic structure of Answers for Families and Friends expertise. tissues. Each state determines which deaths are required to be reported to the Medical Forensic Pathology: The Examiner or Coroner who then determines subspecialty of pathology that focuses on the nature and the extent of their investigation. An The National Association investigation may end after a phone call or cause of diseases & injuries proceed to a scene investigation, physical and their relationship to legal of Medical Examiners examination of the person and possibly an issues. autopsy. Manner of Death: The The Medical-Legal autopsy is a circumstance surrounding a And specialized examination that integrates death, such as: natural, personal, social and medical history, scene accident, suicide, homicide, investigation, external examination undetermined, or pending. A The College of American including clothing, internal examination of pending manner of death may tissues, microscopic evaluation as well as be listed on a death certificate Pathologists toxicological, laboratory and evidentiary until an investigation is data. Such evaluation can take time as all complete. the elements of the investigation are completed. Toxicology: The study of drugs, chemicals, and poisons

and their effect on the body. Common tests included Prepared by the Forensic Pathology Resource Council alcohol, over-the-counter and 2003 prescription medications, and illegal drugs.

Autopsy The death of a loved on is often a difficult Reportable Deaths and confusing time. You may have to In certain situations, the circumstances speak with doctors, nurses, fire department Every state determines what deaths must surrounding a person’s death may require personnel, ambulance crews, police be reported to the Medical Examiner or further examination. An autopsy may be officers, and funeral directors, in addition Coroner. In general, these cases include performed to understand these to notifying family and friends. In some the following: circumstances and to establish the cause cases you may also speak with a and manner of death. Not every death representative of a Medical Examiner or Homicides and suicides reported requires an autopsy. Coroner’s Office. Deaths following accidents, even Funeral arrangements do not have to be The Medical Examiner or Coroner is the if the injury is not the cause of death changed if an autopsy is performed. official responsible for determining the Family members may still view their loved cause and manner of death of people Deaths due to poisoning one during funeral services. whose deaths are the result of injury or outside agents, or who died suddenly, Deaths following abortion During an autopsy the pathologist unexpectedly or under questionable examines and documents any evidence of circumstances. The Medical Examiner or Deaths with unexplained, unusual the person’s medical conditions. This Coroner’s Office is not part of any other or suspicious circumstances includes any disease or injuries. Small agency including police, the Sheriff’s samples of blood, urine, or other fluids are Department, or any hospital, although they Deaths involving motor vehicles, usually sent for toxicological testing. often work with people from these snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and Also, the physician may undertake a agencies. boats. histological examination of small pieces of tissue. You may speak with a representative from the Medical Examiner or Coroner’s office The Medical Examiner or Coroner will who will gather information about the determine the cause and manner of death deceased that may be useful to determine Resources for the person based upon all the the cause and manner of death. Depending information at hand, including the autopsy on the circumstances surrounding death, findings. the decedent may be released to a funeral www.cap.org home or taken to a medical facility for www.thename.org further investigation.

Revised June 2003