In England and Wales the coroner is responsible for investigating deaths that are suspected to be i) violent or unnatural, ii) of unknown cause, or iii) in police or prison custody. About half of all deaths in E&W are reported to the coroner for further investigation but inquests are only necessary in about 30k cases. The rest are registered as natural deaths once the cause has been established. How is this function carried out in other countries worldwide?
I am a PhD researcher just writing up my thesis on the way coroners carry out this role in E&W.
In the U.S. and its territories it would depend on whose jurisdiction it happens to fall on. In the majority of cases, deaths are sent to the county or state coroner's office. Now if it happens on federal territories or its beyond the resources of a county's coroner offices then it it sent to the corresponding federal agencies coroner's division.
Many thanks Pedro. Any idea what proportion of deaths are dealt with by coroners? What happens with non suspicious known cause cases? Max
In Greece, all sudden deaths are autopsied by a state-appointed coroner. He reports his findings to the District Attorney, who decides whether there should be an investigation of a non-accidental death
Thanks Eleni, you must have high levels of autopsies in Greece! Even sudden deaths in the UK can be registered without an autopsy if the doctor knows the deceased and can confidently state the cause of death. This actually happens much more for women, who die older, than men but does give some cause for concern about appropriate levels of investigation for deaths of women. Thanks again! Max
The Unites States Criminal Code of Procedure Title 1. Chapter 49 outlines the procedures for inquiries in deaths where the cause in unknown. Any doctor in a hospital or private practice can request an autopsy if the cause of death is unknown. Also, if the death is a result of a criminal act, an autopsy can be performed to confirm the cause of death. At any time in which the cause of death in a person is not evident, an autopsy can be ordered to determine the cause of death. The family members of a deceased my appeal to their local Justice of the Peace for an inquiry as to the cause of death. The US Centers for Disease Control has also requested autopsy on certain cases if they suspect the person has been exposed to infectious disease. Cases of suspicious cause of death have often resulted in the exhumation of bodies for autopsy and forensic testing to try to determine the cause of death; although these cases are rare. I hope this information is helpful.
In Belgium the forensic department of the police is responsible for this.
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