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The (post-mortem examination) is the formal medical examination of a deceased person to confirm death, determine the cause and manner of death, and establish the time of death. It is a legal requirement in Germany and a critical step before a death certificate can be issued or a funeral can take place. 1. Purpose and Legal Framework
It ensures death is certain by identifying "sure signs of death" (e.g., Totenflecke or Totenstarre ). Die Leichenschau
The responsibility falls strictly on physicians, though the specific type of doctor often depends on where the death occurred: Purpose and Legal Framework It ensures death is
Next of kin are responsible for notifying a doctor immediately. Often, this is the deceased's general practitioner (GP) or an emergency physician. In public places or cases of suspected foul
In public places or cases of suspected foul play, forensic physicians or the police are involved. 3. The Procedure Step-by-Step Die Leichenschau - Thieme E-Books & E-Journals -
Doctors must distinguish between natural death (from internal illness) and non-natural/unclear death (accident, suicide, or crime).
Resident hospital physicians typically handle the procedure.