NCJ Number
148719
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 637-643
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes death investigation statutes and practices in all 50 States and recommendations by various organizations and recommends changes in the Model Postmortem Examination Act and State laws.
Abstract
The analysis considered the model law, the recommendations of the National Association of Medical Examiners, and the criteria for autopsies set forth by the College of American Pathologists. The terminology from these information sources and the State laws was consolidated to develop a list of death categories for which investigation by medical examiners or coroners in the United States is either mandated, commonly performed, or recommended. The list contains specific categories of death, which are grouped into three general areas: (1) unexpected and unexplained deaths; (2) deaths from intentional and unintentional external causes; and (3) deaths that fall under specialized categories related to the person's age, environment, or medical conditions or to the method of disposition of the body. To promote greater uniformity in the death investigation practices among States, the Model Postmortem Examination Act should be modified to explicitly recommend certain types of deaths for investigation and that States modify their death investigation statutes to conform to such provisions. Currently, in States where death investigation laws lack specificity in detailing the types of deaths that should be reported for possible medicolegal investigation, these recommendations, if not in conflict with local laws, might be used as practice guidelines for the reporting and investigation of certain types of deaths. Tables and 11 references (Author abstract modified)