Abstract
The Death Investigation system (DIS) in a given country is an administrative office, that is essential in many directions. Different DIS are existing worldwide differing on its investigating authority but are mainly consisted of Coroner and Medical Examiner systems. These systems are indefinitely being modified to be fitted with the advancement of forensic investigations and social needs, and the trend runs towards the medically trained Death Investigator System. Current DIS in Sri Lanka is adopted from the British Coronial system and is still being practised without significant adjustments since 1892, which has given rise to numerous discrepancies. The objective is to emphasizes the need for establishing the Medical Examiners (ME) System in Sri Lanka and to address the issues in converting to the proposed system. The Main drawbacks concerning this conversion in other countries are related to administrative, legislative, financial, and political issues. Nevertheless, every country does not acquire similar challenges, and our country may easily accept and overcome the difficulties mentioned above. As an example, the current DIS can be swiftly converted into ME centered approach with minor modifications to the criminal procedure code such as by appointing a Forensic Medical specialist as a death investigator with all the powers of existing Inquirer into Sudden Death who can conduct inquest to decide whether autopsy examination is necessary or not. This process does not require any infrastructural modifications as well. Stepwise conversion of Coroners to ME in the States in America can be taken into consideration as a role model. This paper highlights the necessity of introducing the Medical Examiner System in Sri Lanka and provides guidance to overcome the drawbacks.
Highlights
Examination, correlation, and interpretation of deaths are carried out under different legislations in different states which is critical for criminal justice; as well as to aid in civil litigations.[1]
The British coronial system was implemented through 1883 AD as a modified model of the English coroners’ system.[8]
Over the years these systems are indefinitely being modified to be fitted with the advancement of forensic investigations and social needs
Summary
Examination, correlation, and interpretation of deaths are carried out under different legislations in different states which is critical for criminal justice; as well as to aid in civil litigations.[1]. Of the English coroners’ system.[8] In 1958 AD the United States passed the model postmortem act which outlines the general classes of deaths that need to be investigated and was the framework to develop its own laws regarding death investigation to their states. Over the years these systems are indefinitely being modified to be fitted with the advancement of forensic investigations and social needs. Medical examiner system - Medical examiners are trained Physicians, Pathologists, or Forensic Pathologists with jurisdiction over a country district or state who can initiate inquest and investigate a death or to conduct postmortem examination in some instances.[13]. Significant advantages of the current coronial investigation system in Sri Lanka are autonomy, access to power, and the ability to represent the will of the electorate though, and this system is currently out weighted by its disadvantages
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