Who must provide authorization to conduct a medicolegal autopsy?

The requirement for authorization to conduct a medicolegal autopsy hinges on the legal jurisdiction and the circumstances of the death. In instances where a medicolegal autopsy is warranted—typically in cases involving suspicious deaths, accidents, or homicides—the coroner or medical examiner holds the authority to order the autopsy based on their investigative responsibilities. Their role encompasses determining the cause and manner of death, which is essential for legal and public health reasons.

In contrast, other forms of authorization, such as from the decedent's next of kin or based on a will, may pertain to different types of autopsies, specifically those that are not mandated by law. For medicolegal autopsies, the jurisdiction established by the coroner or medical examiner takes precedence and guides the execution of the autopsy process without needing additional consent from family members or documents.

Thus, the coroner or medical examiner's authorization is critical and is aligned with their official duty to investigate deaths that fall under their jurisdiction.