25Autopsies

25 Autopsies

(1) The purpose of an autopsy is to assist a coroner to perform his or her functions in respect of a death.

(2) A coroner must direct a medical investigator to perform an autopsy on a body under the control of the coroner if the coroner believes that—

(a) the autopsy is necessary for the investigation of the death; and

(b) it is appropriate to give the direction.

See section 26 for when a direction made by a coroner under subsection (2) takes effect.

(3) After consulting with, and seeking advice from, the Institute or a pathologist, a coroner may—

(a) impose conditions on the manner in which an autopsy on a body is to be performed; and

Example

Conditions under subsection (3) could include the number of cavities to be explored or the organs to be removed.

(b) direct the medical investigator to perform certain tests on a body or on tissue or other material removed from the body.

(4) Nothing in this Act prevents a preliminary examination or an identification procedure from being performed concurrently with an autopsy.