Reviews
Medico-Legal Death Investigation Systems – Australia
Authors:
Noel W. Woodford ,
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, AU
About Noel W.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia
David L. Ranson,
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, AU
About David L.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia
Mathew J. Lynch
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, AU
About Mathew J.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia
Abstract
Australia’s medico-legal death investigation system is overseen by coroners who are independent judicial officers. Deaths reportable to coroners are prescribed in legislation which is broadly similar throughout Australia’s six states and two territories. Coronial investigations are inquisitorial in nature and make important contributions to death prevention and public health. Coroners are assisted in the discharge of their responsibilities by specialist pathologists who form the medical arm of the death investigation process. This paper will outline the current system of medico-legal death investigation throughout Australia with the State of Victoria serving as an exemplar of the system around the country.
How to Cite:
Woodford, N.W., Ranson, D.L. and Lynch, M.J., 2022. Medico-Legal Death Investigation Systems – Australia. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law, 13, pp.2–7. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljfmsl.v13i0.7911
Published on
30 Sep 2022.
Peer Reviewed
Downloads
