WHAT ARE THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CORONER
Under Title 19, Chapter 43, Section 194301,of the Idaho
Code, The Coroner, as soon as he is informed that a person in his county has
died: As a result of violence, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal or
accidental, or A) Under suspicious or unknown circumstances, or B) When not
attended by a physician during the last illness and the cause of death cannot be
certified by a physician, shall go to the place of death and take charge of the
body. An investigation into the events leading up to the person’s death shall
commence in cooperation with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The
Coroner may authorize an autopsy to be performed by a licensed physician in the
State of
MEDICAL INFORMATION
The Coroner may use many different methods when determining the cause and manner of death. This includes medical records from physicians, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Federal Code concerning protected health information specifically indicates that protected health care information can be disseminated to Coroners for the purpose of aiding an investigation into the cause and manner of death and to assist in the identification of a deceased. Although these records are placed in the case file, they are not subject to public view.
AUTOPSIES
The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office does not have it’s
own forensic laboratory and contracts with a forensic pathologist to perform
autopsies. Per Idaho Code, Title 19, Chapter 43, Section 194301B, the Coroner
may authorize an autopsy without consent of the next of kin. The forensic
autopsy includes a detailed external examination, surgical examination, x-rays,
and collection of tissue and bodily fluids. Tissues are prepared and examined
microscopically by our forensic pathologist. Bodily fluids are submitted to one
or more laboratories locally and throughout the
DEATH CERTIFICATES
Death certificates are prepared by the funeral home. Once
the investigation is complete, the Coroner will record and certify the death
certificate to reflect the cause and manner of death. This information will
then be transmitted to the State of
CORONER’S INQUEST
Under Idaho Code, the Coroner, if he has reasonable grounds
and at his discretion, may conduct an inquest into the manner of death of a
person. The Coroner will summon six (6) persons qualified by law to serve as
jurors to appear before him to hold said inquest. Jurors shall hear sworn
testimony of factual information by witnesses called by the Coroner, review
photographs, reports and documents to determine the manner of death. The
decision of the Coroner’s Inquest is final and not subject to appeal.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office in conjunction with
the investigating law enforcement agency, may collect personal property that is
determined to be of evidentiary value or for safe keeping. Real property, such
as residential dwellings, buildings, or automobiles are sealed or secured until
the legal next of kin is identified. In most cases, property determined not be
of value to the investigation, will be turned over to the legal next of kin.
Prescription medications or contraband will be disposed, destroyed or turned
over to law enforcement officials. In the event the legal next of kin
cannot be located, the Coroner will work with the Bonneville County Public Administrator
for disposition of the property.
COPIES OF REPORTS
Reports generated by the Bonneville County Coroner’s Office
are filed with the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction and are subject
to public view only after the conclusion of the investigation. These reports
are available upon written request to the housing agency.
IDENTIFICATION & VIEWING
Contrary to popular belief, visual identification by family
or friends is not usually necessary. Many methods are used to identify remains
by the Coroner’s Office. In most cases, photographic identification is all that
is required. Occasionally, other methods, such as fingerprints, tattoos,
jewelry, X-rays, utilized for positive identification. We understand that
family may want to view their loved one as soon as possible. It is recommended
that this be done at the funeral home facility. We will work with funeral homes
to insure this can be accomplished as quickly as possible.
ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION
The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office supports the efforts
by the various organ and tissue donation organizations. We will make every
effort to accommodate the wishes of families to donate. The Coroner will
evaluate the circumstances surrounding the death and determine if donation can
proceed. The Coroner may consult with the Prosecuting Attorney of Bonneville
County, if needed.