The primary duty of a coroner is to investigate deaths that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances, which includes untimely, unexpected, or unexplained deaths. This role is critical in determining the cause and manner of death, often involving the collection of evidence, conducting autopsies, and collaborating with law enforcement and forensic experts. Coroners play an essential part in the legal and medical communities, ensuring that the deceased are treated with respect while also fulfilling legal requirements related to death investigations.
While conducting criminal investigations can be a part of the role if foul play is suspected, the coroner's primary function is not to investigate crimes per se, but rather to examine the circumstances surrounding a death. Oversight of court proceedings is typically the responsibility of judges or legal professionals, and providing medical treatment falls under the domain of healthcare providers, not coroners. Thus, the core focus of a coroner revolves around investigating specific types of deaths to provide clarity and answers regarding the cause of death.