My understanding is that generally (and in broad strokes) it is the responsibility and authority of a jurisdiction's Coroner (a.k.a. Medical Examiner) to determine the cause and manner of any death not certified by an attending physician.

Suppose someone is found dead after a fall. Suppose the Coroner, on reviewing the body and scene, finds nothing but deadly injuries consistent with the fall and the circumstances in which the body was found. Now, one of four scenarios is possible:

1. The person died of natural causes and then fell
2. The person fell accidentally
3. The person fell intentionally of their own volition (suicide)
4. The person was caused by another to fall (homicide)

Does the Coroner have the final say on cause of death?

Or do any other offices have the right to investigate a death to look for evidence of homicide in opposition to a verdict of the Coroner? For example,

• Can police pursue an investigation independent and contrary to that of the Coroner?
• Does a District Attorney (when not the Coroner) have the means and/or authority to conduct an independent and contrary investigation?

My understanding is that generally (and in broad strokes) it is the responsibility and authority of a jurisdiction's Coroner (a.k.a. Medical Examiner) to determine the cause and manner of any death not certified by an attending physician.

Suppose someone is found dead after a fall. Suppose the Coroner, on reviewing the body and scene, finds nothing but deadly injuries consistent with the fall and the circumstances in which the body was found. Now, one of four scenarios is possible:

1. The person died of natural causes and then fell (natural death)
2. The person fell accidentally (accidental death)
3. The person fell intentionally of their own volition (suicide)
4. The person was caused by another to fall (homicide)

Does the Coroner have the final say on cause of death?

Or do any other offices have the right to investigate a death to look for evidence of homicide in opposition to a verdict of the Coroner? For example,

• Can police pursue an investigation independent and contrary to that of the Coroner?
• Does a District Attorney (when not the Coroner) have the means and/or authority to conduct an independent and contrary investigation?