A forensic pathologist is charged with determining cause of death, generally within the framework of criminal law.

A forensic pathologist is a qualified medical doctor who has undertaken further study in anatomical pathology. In the UK a properly and fully qualified forensic pathologist is one who has gained membership of the Royal College of Pathologists.

A forensic pathologist is responsible for conducting autopsies and post mortems in order to determine the cause of death. They may also be called upon to try and determine the deceased’s identity should it not already be known. As part of this study the forensic pathologist may also examine any wounds, injuries or infections.

Forensic pathologists are also involved in toxicology, analysing various bodily fluids and tissues, in cases of suspected poisoning or drug abuse.

Forensic pathologists are also often first on the scene in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths, working closely with the police in the beginnings of their investigations.