Interesting Facts and Myths

MYTH: The coroner cannot arrest the sheriff, but the coroner is the only person who can serve a warrant on the sheriff at the direction of the Probate Judge.

FACT: Until the late 1970s the Coroner had arresting powers as a constable.

MYTH: The coroner does not perform autopsies, they must be performed by a licensed pathologist.

FACT: The coroner is required to function as acting Sheriff in the event the sheriff is unable to fulfill his duty under the direction of the Superior Court Judge until a Sheriff can be appointed.

MYTH: A coroner has to be a pathologist. Not always! In Georgia, coroners only need to complete state mandated trqaining, while in Kansas, Ohio and Louisiana coroners must be certified forensic pathologists. Coroners often are funeral home directors, but some are doctors.