Coroner

A coroner is a government official who is trained to investigate and determine the cause, time, and manner of death in situations involving unattended, suspicious, violent, or unexplained deaths. The role and responsibilities of coroners can vary significantly between different jurisdictions.

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Role and Duties

Coroners primarily investigate deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or occur under suspicious circumstances. These investigations typically involve performing an autopsy (post-mortem examination) to ascertain the cause of death, along with other investigative procedures like studying the scene of death, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.

Qualifications

The qualifications required to become a coroner vary by location. In some jurisdictions, coroners are elected and may not require medical training, whereas in others, they may need to be certified medical practitioners, often with a specialty in forensic pathology.

Coroner versus Medical Examiner

The terms "coroner" and "medical examiner" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings depending on the jurisdiction. In general, coroners are usually elected officials who may or may not have a medical background, while medical examiners are usually appointed officials who are qualified physicians.

Legal Proceedings

The findings of a coroner's investigation can be critical in legal proceedings. They can provide evidence in criminal cases, aid in the settlement of estates, and influence public health policy by identifying trends in mortality.

See Also

• Medical examiner
• Forensic pathology
• Autopsy
• Cause of death

References

• Hanzlick R (1996). "The conversion of coroner systems to medical examiner systems in the United States: a lull in the action". Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 17 (4): 337–43.
• "Coroners' Recommendations and the Promise of Saved Lives". University of Melbourne. 2016.
• Dolinak D, Matshes E, Lew E (2005). Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice. Academic Press. ISBN 0-12-219951-0.

External Links

Coroner - MedlinePlus Role of the Coroner - American Academy of Forensic Science Coroner - Britannica

Coroner Resources
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