the autopsy

Question 1

describe the questions being sought from an autopsy

Answer 1

• who was the deceased
• when did they die
• where did the die
• how did they come about their death

Question 2

why would a coroner request an autopsy?

Answer 2

to find out how someone died and to discover if an inquest is needed

Question 3

name the different laws around the autopsy which need to be followed

Answer 3

• coroners rule 1984
• coroners act 1988
• amendant rules 2005
• coroners and justice act 2009
• human tissue act 2004

Question 4

what does coroners rule entail?

Answer 4

R5: Autopsy as soon as possible

R6: By a pathologist of suitable qualification and experience

R10: Report findings promptly and only to coroner

R11: Autopsy only on appropriate premises

Question 5

what does coroners act entail?

Answer 5

: Allows coroner to order an autopsy where death is likely due to natural causes to obviate need for inquest. No power to authorise special investigations

S20: Allows coroner to order an autopsy where death is clearly unnatural and inquest will be needed. Can authorise special investigations

Question 6

what does amentant rule entail?

Answer 6

Pathologist must tell coroner precisely what materials have been retained

Coroner authorises retention and sets disposal date

Coroner informs family of retention

Family has choices:
Return material to family
Retain for research/teaching
Respectful disposal

Coroner informs pathologist of family’s decision

Pathologist to keep record

Autopsy report must declare retention and disposal

Question 7

what does the coroners and justice act entail?

Answer 7

Affects S19/S20 – Coroner can now defer opening the inquest and instead launch an investigation

Enshrines a system of Medical Examiners

Little practical change to the pathologist

Inquests now have conclusions, not verdicts

Question 8

what does the human tissue act entail?

Answer 8

Requires
Autopsies only to be performed on licensed premises
License holder
Consent from relatives for ANY use of tissue retained at autopsy if not subject to coronial legislation or retained for criminal justice purposes
Public display requires consent from the deceased

Penalty: 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine