Autopsies
25 Autopsies
The purpose of an autopsy is to assist a coroner to perform his or her functions in respect of a death.
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—
the autopsy is necessary for the investigation of the death; and
it is appropriate to give the direction.
Note
See section 26 for when a direction made by a coroner under subsection (2) takes effect.
After consulting with, and seeking advice from, the Institute or a pathologist, a coroner may—
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.
direct the medical investigator to perform certain tests on a body or on tissue or other material removed from the body.
Nothing in this Act prevents a preliminary examination or an identification procedure from being performed concurrently with an autopsy.
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