Charleston,South Carolina: Reversion from a Medical Examiner/Coroner Dual System to a Coroner System

Abstract

The death investigation system for the state of South Carolina is a coroner system. The state has 46 counties and each has one elected lay coroner. The educational requirement is a high school diploma. Many physicians and legislators have repeatedly attempted to change the state and large counties’ death investigation systems to medical examiner systems. Due to the politically strong coroners, these attempts have been largely unsuccessful. In 1972, Charleston County converted to a medical examiner/coroner dual system. This system was constantly challenged until it reverted back to a coroner system in 2001. The establishment of the dual system, hurdles and road blocks confronted, and reasons for the ultimate reversion are discussed.

Keywords

Forensic pathology Coroner Medical examiner Death investigation Autopsy Charleston

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References

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