What is the primary role of the Medical Examiner in death investigation?

The primary role of the Medical Examiner in death investigation is to perform autopsies. This responsibility is crucial in determining the cause and manner of death, especially in cases that are sudden, unexplained, or suspicious. Through autopsies, the Medical Examiner can gather vital information about the decedent’s health, any contributing factors leading to death, and whether any criminal activity may be involved.

While notifying relatives and issuing death certificates are relevant to the overall process of managing a death, these duties are usually carried out by other professionals or designated individuals rather than the Medical Examiner directly. Conducting funerals is a separate function handled by funeral service providers and is not within the purview of the Medical Examiner's responsibilities. Therefore, the performance of autopsies stands out as the primary and essential duty that aligns with the role of the Medical Examiner in overseeing and investigating causes of death.