On what types of cases are autopsies performed?
The Medical Examiner takes jurisdiction over a wide variety of cases including unexplained, unexpected and violent deaths. The level of investigation and involvement of the medical examiner’s office depends on the scene and circumstances of each death. It is up to the discretion of the Medical Examiner on which deaths an autopsy is performed. An autopsy is not usually required when there is adequate medical history to presume that the death is the result of natural causes and there is no evidence of foul play.
