Which authority typically conducts an autopsy?

The medical examiner is the authority typically responsible for conducting autopsies. This role is critical in determining the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases of suspicious, violent, or unexplained fatalities. The medical examiner possesses the specialized training and expertise necessary to perform this complex procedure, which involves examining the body, reviewing medical history, and often conducting laboratory tests. The findings from an autopsy can provide vital evidence in both criminal investigations and legal proceedings, ultimately assisting law enforcement and the judicial system in understanding the circumstances surrounding a death.

While law enforcement may be involved in overseeing the crime scene and gathering evidence, their role does not include performing autopsies. Likewise, defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys do not have the qualifications or authority to conduct autopsies, as their functions are to represent parties in legal matters rather than to investigate causes of death.