Medical Examiner (US)
Definition
A physician (typically a board-certified forensic pathologist) appointed by government authority to investigate deaths within their jurisdiction. Distinguished from the elected Coroner who need not be a physician. The NAME Model Medical Examiner Act (2003) sets the model statutory framework.
- Typical qualification
- Board-certified forensic pathologist
- Appointment
- By government authority
- Contrasted with
- Elected, non-physician coroner
- Model statute
- NAME Model Medical Examiner Act, 2003
Common questions
What does the NAME Model Medical Examiner Act actually standardise?+
It is a template statute drafted by the National Association of Medical Examiners that states can adopt or adapt, covering jurisdictional authority, qualifications for the medical examiner, reportable death categories, and autopsy authority, aimed at replacing inconsistent coroner statutes.
Does having a medical examiner system guarantee every death is autopsied?+
No, the medical examiner exercises jurisdiction and discretion over which deaths within the reportable categories actually receive a full autopsy versus an external examination alone, based on case circumstances and resources.
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