Medicolegal death investigations

When someone dies unexpectedly or of unnatural causes, their death will likely be subject to a medicolegal death investigation to determine the cause and manner of death, identification of the decedent, and circumstances surrounding the death. This community is made up of forensic pathologists, medical examiners, coroners, autopsy technicians, forensic anthropologists, and more. These professionals ensure deaths are thoroughly investigated, while ensuring respect and dignity...

In cases where a decedent’s identity is unknown, forensic scientists can utilize a range of identification methods in order to give a victim their name back and bring closure to their families. However, access to these important resources may vary across communities. In the Unidentified Human Remains mini season, we sit down with experts who explain how teeth, DNA samples, and more can contribute to...

Identifying unknown human remains requires the strategic use of investigative techniques and scientific methods. This includes utilizing various forensic methods to gather the decedent’s biometrics, collecting familial reference samples for comparison, and inputting available information into comprehensive databases to facilitate connections to cases nationwide and internationally. These efforts can help bring closure to families, identify victims of mass disasters, and find missing persons. Listen along...

The NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium is an open meeting where attendees can learn about NIJ-funded research across a variety of forensic science areas. The 2024 symposium was held March 1-2, 2022.

NIJ and its Forensic Technology Center of Excellence are committed to improving the practice of forensic science and strengthening its impact by supporting research and development, rigorous technology evaluation and adoption...

This event features a multi-disciplinary panel of experts including forensic pathologists, medical examiners, cardiologists, geneticists, genetic counselors, and cardiac geneticists. Additionally, five pre-recorded presentations are available to familiarize oneself with molecular autopsies and provide context for the live expert panel discussion.