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The responsibility falls strictly on physicians, though the specific type of doctor often depends on where the death occurred:

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.

It contributes to the official mortality statistics used for healthcare planning. 2. Who Performs the Examination?

It ensures death is certain by identifying "sure signs of death" (e.g., Totenflecke or Totenstarre ).

The examination serves several vital functions beyond simply confirming a person has passed:

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