Autopsy (Lesson 2.03)

All violent and suspicious deaths must be investigated by a coroner or a medical examiner.
An essential part of that investigation is an autopsy examination.
The autopsy provides crucial information about:
- The manner of death (how the person died)
- The cause of death (reason a person died)
- The mechanism of death (body function failure leading to death)
- The time of death
This information is critical for determining if a crime was committed and potentially solving that crime.

Compare and/or contrast the current and historical roles of:
- Coroner
- Medical examiner
- Forensic pathologist
Identify the required medical background for each position.
Research and/or evaluate technological advances and/or careers related to the field of forensics.
Analyze possible careers in science and engineering, focusing on:
- Education requirements
- Working practices
- Rewards
Describe how and/or why an autopsy is performed.
Identify the legal reasons for performing an autopsy and when an autopsy is not necessary.
Outline the steps of an autopsy, including notes taken during the autopsy.
Discuss the information included in the medical report of an autopsy and its importance in resolving possible crimes.
Identify various causes of death (e.g., blunt force trauma, heart attack, bleeding) by examining specific questions.
Construct arguments based on evidence regarding the manner of death:
- Natural
- Homicide
- Suicide
- Accidental
- Undetermined

Certain deaths must be investigated, including:

The office of coroner originated in England approximately 900 years ago.
The term "coroner" means "representing the crown." Early coroners served more like judges, overseeing local sheriffs.
In the sixteenth century, the coroner's role shifted towards investigating deaths, transitioning from royal appointment to election.
Coroners would view bodies and hold an inquest to investigate deaths, often without medical support.
The role of the coroner was established in the American colonies and continued in the U.S.

On June 15, 1846, British army private John White received 150 lashes and died a month later.
Initially ruled a natural death by three army doctors, coroners Dr. Thomas Wakely and local doctor Erasmus Wilson held an inquest, revealing that flogging led to the death.
Public outrage resulted in the Army Act of 1861, abolishing flogging as military discipline.

A medical examiner is a certified physician in pathology and can perform autopsies.

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor specializing in forensic pathology.
Can perform autopsies and investigate deaths like a medical examiner; may overlap with ME roles.

Medical Autopsy:
- Requested by a physician with consent from the deceased’s family.
- Primarily determines the cause and mechanism of death.
Medical-Legal Autopsy:
- Conducted as part of an official investigation into a death.
- Results are included in the coroner’s report, which serves as public record and evidence for criminal investigations.

Manner of Death (five possibilities):
- Natural death: failure of bodily functions due to age/disease.
- Accidental death: unexpected circumstances (car accident, falls).
- Suicide: planned death by oneself (hanging, overdose).
- Homicide: death caused by another individual.
- Undetermined: unknown manner, often due to body decomposition.
Cause of Death:

The reason leading to the demise (e.g., heart attack for natural causes, bludgeoning for homicide).

Specifically refers to the bodily failure (e.g., respiratory arrest due to drowning).

The coroner/medical examiner conducts an investigation and autopsy to determine these factors.

The coroner prepares a coroner's report.
It includes summaries of manner, cause, and mechanism of death.
Example entry:
- John Doe died from excessive bleeding (mechanism) caused by a gunshot wound to the head (cause) classified as suicide (manner).
Coroner's reports vary by jurisdiction.

Identification of victim, if not already established.
- Collection of fingerprints, handprints, and footprints.
Photographing the body:
- Both clothed and unclothed.
Measurement and weighing of the body.
X-Rays taken from multiple angles.

External features notated, including hair, skin color, moles, tattoos, dental work, bruising, and broken bones.
Examination of livor mortis and rigor mortis to estimate time of death.
Evidence collection:
- Hair combing for evidence.
- Fingernail examination and scraping collection.
- Swabbing mouth, urethra, and anus for analysis.
- Close examination of all wounds, with potential tissue sampling.

Forensic pathologists measure and document wounds:
- Knife wounds provide clues about the weapon type based on edge shape.
- Entry and exit gunshot wounds inform on bullet path, distance, and shooter position.
- Defensive wounds indicate struggle during an attack.

Researchers are exploring virtual autopsies utilizing CT and MRI scans to create detailed 3D images.
Virtual autopsies, while non-invasive, do not currently replace conventional methods, serving as supplementary tools instead.

Autopsies play a pivotal role in investigating deaths by determining the manner, cause, and mechanism of death. The information gathered forms a basis for criminal investigations and trials.