What Is the Difference Between a Coroner and a Medical Examiner Anyway?

Do you think these two titles, coroner and medical examiner, describe the same position? Think again. They are very different. So, here is the question: What Is the Difference Between a Coroner and a Medical Examiner Anyway?
I have the short answer.

A coroner is a person who:

* Is elected
* Confirms yes, the person is deceased and certifies the death
* Does not have to possess a medical degree (some jurisdictions have other requirements)
* Can investigate deaths
* If an autopsy is needed the medical examiner will have to be contacted
* Identifies the body
* Notifies the next of kin
* Collects and returns personal effects to the family
* Signs the death certificate

A Medical Examiner is a person who:

* Usually is appointed to the position
* Must be a physician
* Usually trained to be a forensic pathologists
* Performs autopsies

Meet Dr. Abraham Chen. He is the Medical Examiner for the town of Marston. He's short for a man by American standards. He has Asian features, but no hint of an accent. His English is flawless and spoken with pride. How did he get the name Abraham Chen? That is a great question and I'm glad you asked. The answer is in the story of Murder By The Book. You can find it at your favorite online book store. Visit Murder By The Book now.