Which type of deaths must be investigated by the Medical Examiner?

The correct answer is that violent deaths and those under suspicious circumstances must be investigated by the Medical Examiner. Medical Examiners play a critical role in determining the cause and manner of death in situations where public safety may be a concern. This includes deaths resulting from homicides, suicides, accidents, or any death that occurs under unusual or suspicious conditions.

Investigating these types of deaths helps ensure that justice is served and that any potential threats to public safety are addressed. This protocol is in place to provide a clear understanding of how and why the death occurred, which is essential for families, law enforcement, and the overall community.

In contrast, deaths from natural causes, chronic diseases, or those associated solely with public figures may not require such an investigation unless there are specific circumstances that raise concern, such as unusual details in the death or reasons to suspect foul play. Thus, the focus of Medical Examiners is primarily on violent and suspicious deaths to uphold the integrity of the investigation and ensure proper legal and medical procedures are followed.