The Psychological Autopsy in the Courtroom: Contributions of the Social Sciences to Resolving Issues Surrounding Equivocal Death

A psychological autopsy is broadly defined by the author as a procedure in which a deceased person’s state of mind prior to his or her death is reconstructed. The purpose is to resolve questions surrounding equivocal deaths, most commonly the quest as to whether the death was an accident or suicide. Chapters include procedure definition, process, workmen’s compensation, life insurance, criminal cases, malpractice (individuals & institutions), legal status, & examination of the expert witness.