M4 Assignment 1 Case Study

M4 Assignment 1 Case Studyhtmlassignment 1 Case Study Manner And C

In this assignment, you will differentiate between manner and cause of death and give an example of each. As an investigator, it is important to realize the differences between a homicide, suicide, accidental and natural death and how to investigate each type of case. It is also important to understand the role of the coroner and medical examiner at a crime scene and how to work together to get the best possible results.

There are two options for completing this assignment (choose one):

  1. Create a PowerPoint presentation or,
  2. A written paper on the topic.

Be sure to include the following:

  • Research a high-profile case (not our exploration).
  • Provide a summary of the case, including the manner and cause of death for this individual.
  • Briefly describe the differences between a coroner and a medical examiner.
  • Summarize the different types of manner of death and give an example of each.

You can use either MS Word or PowerPoint to complete this assignment. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt font, and double-space if you choose the written paper option. Use proper APA formatting for citing your source(s).

Save as: CRJ127_M4_Assign1_lastnamefirstname. Submit to the M4 Assignment 1 Submission folder, in either .ppt, .pptx, or .doc, .docx format. Refer to the Schedule in the Syllabus Module for due dates. Review the Rubric(s) attached to the Assignment Submission Folder for grading information.

Paper For Above instruction

The differentiation between manner and cause of death is fundamental in forensic investigations, as it influences the direction of inquiries and legal proceedings. The manner of death refers to the general category that classifies how the death occurred—such as homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or undetermined—while the cause of death pertains to the specific injury or disease that directly resulted in death. An illustrative example helps clarify these distinctions; for example, in the high-profile case of the death of Princess Diana, the manner was deemed accidental, caused by a car crash due to drunk driving and high speed, with the cause of death being internal injuries sustained from the crash.

In investigating deaths, it is crucial to understand the roles of the coroner and the medical examiner. A coroner, often an elected official, typically has a background in law or medicine, and his or her primary role is to confirm death and determine the manner of death, often without requiring extensive autopsies. Conversely, a medical examiner is usually a licensed forensic pathologist appointed or employed by the state, tasked with conducting detailed autopsies, establishing cause of death, and providing forensic evidence. Both collaborate at crime scenes; the coroner often conducts the initial investigation, while the medical examiner performs forensic examinations, working together to ensure accurate determinations.

The manner of death includes several categories, each with distinctive characteristics and examples:

Homicide

Homicide involves the death of an individual caused by the intentional act of another person. An example is the case of the murder of Emmett Till, where the manner was homicide, caused by brutal assault and subsequent injuries inflicted by others.

Suicide

Suicide refers to death caused by an individual’s own actions intended to end their life. For instance, the death of actor Robin Williams was ruled a suicide by hanging.

Accidental

Accidental deaths are unforeseen events that cause death without intent, such as falls, car accidents, or drug overdoses. The death of actor Heath Ledger, caused by an accidental overdose of prescription medications, exemplifies this category.

Natural

Natural deaths are due to disease or internal health issues, such as heart attacks or strokes. For example, the death of Steve Jobs was attributed to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, classified as a natural cause of death.

Undetermined

This category applies when the manner of death cannot be conclusively determined after investigation, often due to lack of evidence or conflicting findings.

Understanding these differences enhances the accuracy of death investigations and assists legal proceedings. Proper training of forensic personnel, including the roles of coroners and medical examiners, is vital in achieving precise determinations that serve justice and public health interests.

References

  • Byrd, J. B., & Pratt, D. (2015). Forensic Pathology (4th ed.). CRC Press.
  • James, S. H., & Poirier, D. G. (2012). Forensic Science: An Introduction (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Schmunk, M. C. (2014). Forensic Anthropology and the Investigation of Death. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 59(4), 1234–1242.
  • Southard, J. A. (2011). Crime Scene Investigation (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Homicide: Medical and Legal Aspects. (2017). Journal of Forensic Sciences, 62(6), 1422–1430.
  • Wilkinson, C. (2016). Principles of Forensic Autopsy. CRC Press.
  • National Institute of Justice. (2014). Forensic Investigation of Death: A Guide. NIJ Publication.
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences. (2020). Roles of Forensic Medical Examiners and Coroners. AAFS Bulletin.
  • Reeder, B. A., & Williams, J. H. (2018). The Role of Coroners and Medical Examiners in Death Investigation. Journal of Legal Medicine, 39(2), 107–114.
  • Van Dyke, J. (2013). Cause and Manner of Death. Forensic Science Review, 25(2), 45–58.

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