Forensic Pathologist

It is the responsibility of the forensic pathologist to ascertain the circumstances surrounding an individual’s death.  The forensic pathologist should identify the following; the identity of the deceased, the type of injuries sustained by the deceased, at what time the injuries were inflicted, what caused the injuries and ultimately what was the main factor that led to the deceased’s death.  In certain cases it may not be compulsory to carry out an autopsy as the reason behind the death of an individual may obvious to the forensic pathologist.  An example of an autopsy not being required would be an individual passing away naturally because of a known medical condition.  The evidence gathered by the forensic pathologist will be officially documented/ recorded as it may be required for use in the court.  The forensic pathologist involved in the particular criminal offence will inform the detectives, working on the case, regarding the findings that they have obtained.  The forensic pathologist would not be required to attend a crime involving a mugging but they would be required to attend a scene where the circumstances of an individual’s death are unclear, such as a body being located in a canal.  The forensic pathologist would have the role and responsibility of identifying the main factor that led to the deceased’s death.