Final answer:
The assumption by Samuel, the coroner, that the elderly man died of natural causes without investigation is incorrect. Proper examination is essential to determine the cause of death, even in elderly individuals, and dismissing this protocol is not in accordance with medical or legal practice.
Explanation:
The assumption made by Samuel, the coroner, that the 79-year-old man died of natural causes without conducting a proper investigation is incorrect (B) NO. As a coroner, it is Samuel's professional responsibility to investigate the circumstances of any unattended death. Ruling out the possibility of an autopsy or investigation based solely on the decedent's age is not a sound medical or legal practice. It is important to consider that while elderly people have a higher mortality rate, the cause of death cannot be assumed without thorough examination. There are various factors that could contribute to an elderly person's death beyond natural causes, including accidents, foul play, or undiagnosed medical conditions.
Forensic pathologists and forensic anthropologists play crucial roles in determining the cause of death, especially when the cause is not immediately apparent. They utilize tools such as analysis of medical history, toxicology, and postmortem examination to uncover evidence that helps determine how and why someone died. Dismissing these practices can overlook critical legal and medical information, potentially leading to missed signs of criminal activity or public health issues.