Under what circumstances are deaths usually investigated?

Deaths are typically investigated in situations that are unexpected, suspicious, accidental, or fall under legal requirements. This encompasses a broad range of scenarios, rather than limiting investigations to specific types of death.

For instance, unexpected deaths, which may seem to have no immediate or obvious natural cause, require thorough examination to determine the reason behind the death. Similarly, suspicious deaths necessitate investigation to rule out foul play or to address any potential criminal implications. Accidental deaths, such as those resulting from falls, car accidents, or workplace incidents, are also subject to investigations to ascertain the circumstances and prevent future occurrences. Additionally, certain jurisdictions legally mandate investigations into particular types of deaths, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them.

In contrast, focusing solely on natural causes, deaths occurring in hospitals, or only homicides would limit the scope of investigations. Not all natural deaths require forensic inquiry, as many can be straightforward and understood through medical records. Likewise, while deaths in hospitals may often involve natural causes or advance directives, they can also involve complex circumstances that may be accidental or suspicious. Limiting investigations to homicides ignores the vital importance of examining a wider range of deaths that could have significant implications for public health and safety. Thus, the broad criteria covered in the chosen answer