What is the chief responsibility of a coroner?

The chief responsibility of a coroner is to investigate the cause of death. This role is crucial in determining whether a death was due to natural causes, an accident, suicide, or homicide. In cases where the cause of death is not immediately clear or is suspicious, the coroner conducts investigations that may include examining the deceased body, reviewing medical histories, collecting evidence, and possibly consulting with forensic experts.

Although other functions related to death, such as issuing death certificates or performing medical examinations, are often associated with the duties of a coroner, the primary focus remains on investigating and determining the cause of death. This aspect of the coroner's role is essential to ensure that deaths are appropriately classified and investigated, especially in cases that may have legal implications or require further inquiry by law enforcement agencies.

Providing funeral services is typically the responsibility of funeral directors, while medical examinations are conducted by medical examiners or pathologists. Therefore, the coroner's investigatory role distinguishes it from these other functions, making the investigation of the cause of death the principal duty of this office.