Medical examiner

Medical examiner is a medically qualified government officer whose duty is to investigate deaths and injuries that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances, to perform post-mortem examinations, and in some jurisdictions to initiate inquests.

Role and Function

A medical examiner's duties may vary depending on their jurisdiction. They are responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in cases that fall under their jurisdiction. This can include deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or occur under suspicious circumstances. They may also be called upon to identify unknown deceased individuals and to collect evidence from the body that may be useful in criminal investigations.

Qualifications

In many jurisdictions, a medical examiner must be a licensed physician who is trained in pathology, and in particular, forensic pathology. This training includes the examination of deceased individuals, as well as the interpretation of medical records and other evidence related to the cause and manner of death.

History

The role of the medical examiner has evolved over time. In the past, coroners were often elected officials who may not have had any medical training. However, in the 20th century, many jurisdictions began to replace the coroner system with a medical examiner system, in which the examiner must be a medically trained professional.

See Also

• Coroner
• Forensic pathology
• Death investigation

References

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