What is the primary role of a medical examiner?

The primary role of a medical examiner is to perform autopsies and determine the cause of death. This responsibility involves conducting thorough investigations into circumstances surrounding deaths, particularly those that are sudden, unexplained, or result from potentially criminal activities. During an autopsy, the medical examiner examines the body, assesses any injuries or diseases, and collects relevant evidence, all of which contribute to establishing the official cause of death. This function is crucial in both legal contexts and for public health information.

While analyzing blood samples for DNA and collecting evidence from crime scenes are important tasks often associated with forensic science and criminal investigations, they do not fall under the primary duties of a medical examiner. Judicially assessing criminal intent is typically the responsibility of law enforcement and the judicial system rather than the medical examiner, whose focus is on medical and pathological aspects. Therefore, performing autopsies and determining the cause of death accurately encapsulates the essence of the medical examiner's role.