Question

Samuel is a coroner for a large county. While working at his job, Samuel is notified that a 79 year old man in is jurisdiction has been found dead in his home. After speaking with the responding officers for approximately 1 minute, Samuel concludes that is completely unnecessary to view the scene or the decedent, as it is likely the man died as a result of natural causes. Samuel reasons that the decedent is elderly, and ""old people die all the time, it's what they do."" Samuel tells the officers responding to the decedent's home that there is no reason to keep the scene secure, and that they can call the funeral home to pick up the decedent, as no investigation or autopsy will be needed. Samuel's assumption about the decedent correct.

1) TRUE.
2) FALSE

Answer 1

Samuel's assumption that the man died of natural causes based on his age alone and without further investigation is false. As a coroner, it is his responsibility to investigate the cause of death regardless of the age of the decedent(option 2).

Explanation:

The assumption by Samuel, the coroner, that the 79-year-old man died of natural causes without further investigation is FALSE. Coroners have the responsibility to carefully assess each case and to determine the cause of death, even when the decease appears to be an elderly individual. Necessary examinations and investigations need to be conducted as part of their due diligence.

Assuming a natural cause of death solely based on age, without any further inquiry or autopsy, overlooks the possibility of other factors such as accidents, or unexpected medical issues.

The job of a coroner, or medical examiner, often involves collaboration with forensic pathologists and possibly forensic anthropologists to gather a full understanding of the circumstances of a death.

This is important for legal matters, including the lawful release of the body to a funeral home and determining if there is any need for an investigation by the jurisdiction.

Therefore, the answer is option 2.

Answer 2

Samuel's assumption that the man died of natural causes based on his age alone and without further investigation is false. As a coroner, it is his responsibility to investigate the cause of death regardless of the age of the decedent(option 2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The assumption by Samuel, the coroner, that the 79-year-old man died of natural causes without further investigation is FALSE. Coroners have the responsibility to carefully assess each case and to determine the cause of death, even when the decease appears to be an elderly individual. Necessary examinations and investigations need to be conducted as part of their due diligence.

Assuming a natural cause of death solely based on age, without any further inquiry or autopsy, overlooks the possibility of other factors such as accidents, or unexpected medical issues. The job of a coroner, or medical examiner, often involves collaboration with forensic pathologists and possibly forensic anthropologists to gather a full understanding of the circumstances of a death. This is important for legal matters, including the lawful release of the body to a funeral home and determining if there is any need for an investigation by the jurisdiction.

Hence, the answer is option 2.