In forensic terms, what does ‘death’ refer to?

In forensic terms, ‘death’ is defined as the cessation of all biological functions that sustain life. This encompasses not only the stopping of heartbeat and breathing, but also the irreversible end of brain activity and metabolic processes within the body. When all these biological functions cease, the body can no longer maintain homeostasis, leading to the conclusion that the individual is deceased. This definition is critical in forensic investigations where determining the time and manner of death is essential.

The other options focus on temporary states or specific conditions. For instance, the loss of consciousness and medically induced comas do not equate to death, as life-sustaining functions may still be operational during these states. The termination of brain activity alone may also be insufficient for declaring death, particularly in cases of certain medical conditions where bodily functions can still persist. Therefore, the concept of death in forensic science is comprehensive, requiring the complete cessation of all biological activities.