What are the legal requirements for reporting deaths that may require forensic investigation?

In the UK, deaths that may require forensic investigation must be reported to the coroner without delay, particularly if the death is sudden, unexplained, or suspicious, or if it occurs in circumstances that suggest unnatural causes such as violence, neglect, or medical treatment complications ¹. This legal requirement ensures that the coroner can determine the cause of death and whether a further forensic investigation or inquest is necessary. Medical practitioners have a duty to notify the coroner when they suspect the death was due to an accident, injury, poisoning, or any other unnatural cause, or if the deceased was not seen by a doctor prior to death ¹.

Forensic investigation principles emphasize the importance of preserving the scene and body integrity to facilitate medico-legal examination, which supports the coroner’s inquiry (Cusack et al., 2017). The forensic process involves detailed examination of the body and circumstances, often requiring collaboration between medical professionals and forensic experts to establish cause and manner of death (Ibrahim et al., 2009). Recent literature also highlights the need for clear communication and documentation during reporting to support legal and clinical investigations (Atreya et al., 2025).

Therefore, the legal framework mandates prompt reporting to the coroner for any death that is not clearly natural, while forensic guidelines provide detailed protocols for investigation to ensure accurate medico-legal outcomes ¹; (Cusack et al., 2017); (Ibrahim et al., 2009); (Atreya et al., 2025).