What is the main difference between an inquest and an autopsy?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental distinction between an inquest and an autopsy. An inquest is a formal judicial inquiry conducted to determine the cause of death, often in cases where the death is sudden, unexplained, or occurs under suspicious circumstances. The inquest is presided over by a coroner or a magistrate, and its purpose is to establish facts surrounding the death, which may include witness testimonies and evidence evaluation.

In contrast, an autopsy is a medical examination performed by a pathologist or forensic expert to determine the cause of death through the examination of tissues and organs. It provides detailed biological insights that can help ascertain how a person died and is essential for medical and legal purposes.

This distinction is crucial as it outlines the different contexts and objectives of each process: one is legal in nature, while the other is medical. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles in the investigation of deaths and the legal implications that may follow.