In forensic practice, what is the primary role of a coroner?

The primary role of a coroner is to conduct autopsies and determine the cause of death. This responsibility involves a thorough examination of the body and often includes the gathering of medical history and circumstances surrounding the death. The coroner's findings can provide crucial information for both legal and public health purposes, as well as assist in determining whether further investigation is needed or if a crime has been committed.

While there are various roles within the criminal justice system, such as representing individuals in legal matters or prosecuting cases, these are not part of a coroner's duties. Investigating crime scene evidence is also typically handled by forensic investigators or law enforcement officers, rather than the coroner, whose focus is on post-mortem analysis and the legal implications surrounding a death. Thus, functioning primarily as a medical examiner, the coroner's role is vital in helping to understand the circumstances of a person's death, which can be critical for legal proceedings and to provide clarity for grieving families.