JSB386 Death Investigation

The investigation of death is a well-regulated system, orchestrated through the coronial system with identification of suspicious deaths undertaken by the criminal justice system. This death investigation model involves legal, medical and criminal justice personnel to establish both the medical cause and legal circumstance of death. The information gathered in this way is also used to inform government policy, including preventing deaths. In the wake of Harold Shipman in the United Kingdom and Dr Patel in Australia, the issue of concealed homicide has become topical, with questions asked about how the coronial system can better investigate death. Detailed knowledge of death investigation in Australia is crucial for legal and medical professionals as well as criminal justice agency personnel. This unit examines the history, processes, procedures and outcomes of death investigation in Queensland; including overrepresentation, cultural issues, trauma and determining manner of death.