NCJ Number
85139
Date Published
1981
Length
342 pages
Annotation
This dissertation contends that the variety of officials (coroners, county clerks, funeral directors, State and Federal registry clerks) through standard and routine practices in certifying and recording the cause of death, produce inaccurate and misleading statistics.
Abstract
Inconsistencies arise because different coroners may record the 'same' behavior differently, and any one coroner may record successive 'similar' cases of death differently. There are no standardization guidelines to limit the discretionary effect. In examining production of mortality statistics, this dissertation reviews details of coroners' work, the legal and technical characteristics of the office, as well as historical and international differences. Several coroner systems are described, with emphasis on the unique American practice of electing lay coroners without medical or legal expertise. The range of coroners' investigative practices are described from viewing the body to the autopsy and the coroner's inquest. Data obtained from interviews and documentary evidence collected primarily in Kansas are analyzed, and actual performance is compared to the theoretical requirements of the position as well as to practicing coroners' statements about their work. Hypotheses are presented to explain the process of decisionmaking by coroners and coroners' decision rules are outlined. Tabular data and over 200 references are given. Appendixes contain sample death certificates; a Kansas salary scale, 1971; the Coroners Act, Ontario 1972; coroners field kit, Kansas; outline of the United States registration process; table of contents of the Kansas Coroners' Manual, 1970; interview guide for coroners, and other materials.