Death certificate
Death certificate
A Death certificate (/dɛθ sɜːrˈtɪfɪkɪt/) is a legal document issued by a medical practitioner that officially declares the date, location, and cause of a person's death.
Etymology
The term "Death certificate" is derived from the Latin words 'mors' meaning 'death', and 'certificatum' meaning 'certified'.
Definition
A Death certificate is a document that is typically issued by a medical practitioner or a coroner to officially declare the death of a person. It contains important information such as the deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, place of death, and the cause of death. In some jurisdictions, the death certificate may also include other information such as the deceased's occupation, marital status, and residence.
Importance
A Death certificate serves several important functions. It is often required for legal purposes, such as settling the deceased's estate, claiming life insurance benefits, and obtaining burial permits. It also serves as an official record of death, which is important for public health and demographic research.
Related terms
- Medical practitioner: A healthcare professional who is legally authorized to practice medicine.
- Coroner: A public official who investigates suspicious, sudden, or unnatural deaths.
- Estate (law): The net worth of a person at any point in time, including all of their assets and liabilities.
- Life insurance: A contract between an individual and an insurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured person.
- Burial permit: A document issued by a government authority that allows for the burial of a deceased person.
- Public health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts of society.
- Demographic research: The study of human populations, including their size, growth, density, distribution, and vital statistics.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Death certificate
- Wikipedia's article - Death certificate
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