What is the primary role of a forensic pathologist?

The primary role of a forensic pathologist is to deal with the diagnosis of disease and the determination of the cause of death. Forensic pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the investigation of unexplained deaths, particularly those resulting from criminal acts, accidents, suicides, or other suspicious circumstances. They perform autopsies to examine the deceased, analyze bodily fluids and tissues, and use their medical expertise to assess any pathological changes that might indicate a specific cause of death. This role is critical in the legal system, as their findings often provide essential evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings.

While evaluations of psychological health involve mental health professionals and the provision of legal advice on medical issues is typically the purview of lawyers or legal consultants, these functions do not fall within the scope of a forensic pathologist's responsibilities. Similarly, while evidence collection at crime scenes is essential in forensic investigations, it is usually handled by forensic scientists or crime scene investigators, rather than forensic pathologists whose focus is on post-mortem examinations.