hat the body of the person who has died not be moved or otherwise disturbed without the permission of the medical examiner
Request a peace officer to secure the scene and perform an on-scene investigation
View the remains of the deceased person
Order the remains of the deceased to be transported to another location
Take possession of property considered necessary for the investigation
Subpoena and examine a person or record necessary in the opinion of the medical examiner to determine the material facts relating to the death
Take other actions appropriate under the circumstances to determine the cause and manner of death
The typical medical examiner is a physician and normally has expertise in forensic pathology. Most medical examiners have also spent time working for a medical examiner’s office. Every state, city and county has different requirements and certifications necessary for being a medical examiner. The U.S. has no national standards as requirements for this occupation. Many states require additional certification by organizations like the American Board of Pathology. When the medical examiner has thoroughly completed his investigation, which also includes checking the medical records of the deceased and other procedures, he writes up a report regarding the particular case which expresses his findings and conclusions. If homicide or other criminal means of death are suspected the medical examiner must prepare a copy of the report for the district attorney. The legalities surrounding this report show the complexity of the occupation, “The state medical examiner’s investigative report is a privileged and confidential document, not subject to public disclosure…It may be disclosed to public officers and employees for a public purpose and, when doing so will not interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution, to a person who is related to the deceased or who has a financial or personal in...