What are the duties of coroners?

Coroners are responsible for documenting the cause, time, and manner of death within their jurisdiction, determining whether the death was natural or involved foul play, and requesting an investigation if necessary. Some coroners may have been elected or appointed to their position and may have previous experience in crime prevention or government roles. In cases of suspicious deaths, coroners may seek assistance from forensic specialists. The authority and responsibilities of coroners can vary depending on local laws and jurisdiction.