Journal Published Online: 01 April 1979
Volume 24, Issue 2

The “Undetermined” Ruling: A Medicolegal Dilemma

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

For many years it has been the duty of coroners and medical examiners not only to investigate deaths of medicolegal interest but also to render an opinion as to the cause and manner of death. “Cause of death” is understood to be the primary disease, injury, or physiologic disturbance that brings about a person's death. “Manner of death” is ruled “natural” when death results solely from a disease process and “unnatural” when death results from unavoidable injury (“accident”), conscious intent of the decedent (“suicide”), or the act of another (“homicide”).

Author Information

Murphy, GK
Montgomery County, Ohio, Ohio
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS10857J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10857J