Final answer:
Medical examiners, or forensic pathologists, are medically trained physicians employed by governmental agencies to examine bodies and determine causes of death. Coroners may not be physicians and are often elected officials who can also determine cause of death and may employ forensic pathologists. Their role is essential in public health and legal investigations involving deaths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical examiners and coroners are professionals involved in the investigation of deaths, particularly when they are unexpected or of a suspicious nature. Forensic pathologists, also known as medical examiners, are medically trained physicians who specialize in determining the cause of death by examining deceased bodies. They work closely with other professionals such as forensic anthropologists when complex cases arise that require additional expertise, such as the analysis of skeletal remains. Medical examiners are generally employed by governmental agencies at various levels, including city, county, or state departments of health or public safety.
Coroners, conversely, may not necessarily be physicians and are often elected officials who have the authority to order autopsies, investigate deaths, and determine cause of death. Their educational background can vary, and in some jurisdictions, coroners may employ medical examiners or forensic pathologists to assist with medical aspects of death investigation. Coroners play a role similar to that of medical examiners, but their employment is tied to their elected position within a jurisdiction's government.
Both roles are critical for maintaining public health, determining causes of death, and providing vital statistics. They also both play a significant role in the criminal justice system when deaths may result from illegal activities.