Forensic pathology is the speciality that focuses on the investigation of death. Our forensic pathologists undertake a range of examinations of deceased persons to determine not only the cause of death, but critically, the person’s identity, the external and internal factors (genetic or inherited conditions) contributing to the death and the reconstruction of the circumstances (both physical and social) in which the death occurred.

Forensic pathology is perhaps best understood by the community because of its role in the criminal justice system in relation to homicide investigations. However, this only represents about 1% of our work today. The largest part of a forensic pathologist’s role is to be a public health specialist and to help identify preventable deaths in the community. We work with families, courts and other health practitioners providing information that contributes directly to the prevention of deaths or injury in the community. As part of this work, we identify disease and predisposition to disease that has important ramifications for the ongoing health of families.