A forensic pathologist is a medical specialist who investigates is deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or violent.

            In contrast, a regular pathologist helps to diagnose diseases in living patients as well as investigate causes of nonviolent death by laboratory examination.

Forensic pathology is a subspecialty of pathology; after medical school, a resident is further trained in pathology,  performing autopsies and participating in death investigation under the supervision of a trained forensic pathologist; certification is obtained by passing an exam in forensic pathology given by the American Board of Pathology.

            A forensic pathologist determines:

• The identity of the deceased, including age, sex, and race          
• Time of death  
• Manner of death – natural, accidental, suicide, or homicide     
• Cause of death

A forensic pathologist may perform autopsies in the investigation of deaths and  must have a working knowledge of toxicology (such as drugs and drug effects), firearms and ballistics, trace evidence, and forensic anthropology and DNA technology.

The investigations of a forensic pathologist usually follows these steps:

• Obtains history of death           
• Obtains medical history of the deceased           
• External examination of body               
• Autopsy (internal examination and biopsies of tissues for microscopic examination); x-rays and toxicological exams may be performed       
• Preparation of report   
• Occasional testimony in court about findings and conclusions