Which of the following is a primary role of a forensic pathologist?

The primary role of a forensic pathologist is to conduct post-mortem examinations. This process involves the investigation of causes of death, particularly in cases where the death is sudden, unexplained, or involves foul play. Forensic pathologists utilize their expertise in the examination of tissues, organs, and bodily fluids to ascertain the circumstances surrounding a death. Their findings yield critical information for legal investigations, as they can determine whether a death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, or homicide. This expertise is essential in the judicial system, contributing valuable insights that can aid law enforcement and legal proceedings.

In contrast, performing surgeries on live patients is the responsibility of surgeons and medical doctors, not forensic pathologists. Supervising criminal investigations falls under the domain of law enforcement and investigative officers, as it involves broader crime scene processing and inquiry rather than the specific biological investigations that a forensic pathologist would conduct. Similarly, providing counseling to grieving families is generally outside the scope of forensic pathology and is typically handled by grief counselors, social workers, or other professionals trained in emotional support. Thus, conducting post-mortem examinations is the defining function that highlights the specialized role of a forensic pathologist within the field of forensic science.