What is the main goal of an autopsy in forensic investigations?

The main goal of an autopsy in forensic investigations is to find the cause of death. An autopsy is a thorough examination conducted by a forensic pathologist to investigate the circumstances surrounding a person's death, particularly in cases where the death is sudden, unexplained, or suspicious. During the autopsy, various methods and techniques are employed to evaluate the internal organs, analyze bodily fluids, and sometimes gather evidence. This process helps identify whether the death resulted from natural causes, accident, suicide, or homicide.

Determining the cause of death is crucial for legal proceedings, as it can influence the direction of an investigation, support or refute criminal charges, and provide closure for families. Other choices, like uncovering the motive behind a crime or analyzing witness statements, do not fall within the purview of an autopsy and are addressed through different investigative methods. While determining the time of death is also part of an autopsy, it is not the primary goal and often serves as a supporting detail in establishing the context of death.