ABSTRACT
Many areas use a coroner's system to legally investigate deaths. Generally, their role is to provide a lawful determination as to pronouncing death, the identity of the deceased, and the cause and manner of death. A coroner may be trained in death investigations and certified by an organization such as the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators or may employ deputy coroners or coroner's investigators with such training and certification. Typically, the coroner determines identity in those cases where identity is clear using presumptive identification methods. In the instances where identity is questioned or difficult to establish, the coroner may have to contract for scientific analysis to determine identity. One of the factors that determine who makes the death notification is the type of death and circumstances involved. In suspicious or ambiguous deaths Coroners may request that the investigating officer or his or her law enforcement representative perform the task if criminal culpability is expected.
