In all inquests the results of the medical examiner's inquiry performed shall be offered in evidence either by oral testimony of the medical examiner or by introduction of a copy of the report filed with the director of the division, as verified in the cases requiring verification. The jury shall be free to reach a verdict in accord or discord with such evidence but in all cases such evidence must be presented to them for their consideration.
(Ga. L. 1953, Jan.-Feb. Sess., p. 602, § 18; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1735, § 3.)
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Legal effect of coroner's decision.
- The decisions of a coroner or inquest are nothing more legally than a statement of an expert opinion as to the nature of the decedent's death, and, as such, lack any legally binding significance. 1967 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 67-378.
The decision of a coroner once reached, and a death certificate filed, is as final and binding as a verdict rendered by a coroner's jury. 1967 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 67-378.
RESEARCH REFERENCES
Am. Jur. 2d.
- 18 Am. Jur. 2d, Coroners or Medical Examiners, § 7 et seq.
ALR.- Reviewing, setting aside, or quashing of verdict at coroner's inquest, 78 A.L.R.2d 1218.
Official death certificate as evidence of cause of death in civil or criminal action, 21 A.L.R.3d 418.