AB1108 & Conflict-of-Interest Case Services

California law recognizes that certain deaths require independent forensic pathology involvement to preserve public confidence and avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Assembly Bill 1108 provides a statutory mechanism for external assignment in such cases.

This service pathway is designed to support sheriff-coroner agencies when conflicts may arise, including but not limited to:

• Officer-involved deaths
• In-custody deaths
• Deaths involving personnel known to the local forensic pathologist
• Prior professional or institutional relationships
• High-profile or politically sensitive cases
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In these circumstances, assignment to an external forensic pathology service allows agencies to demonstrate independence, neutrality, and statutory compliance. Services are provided by board-certified forensic pathologists with no local employment or institutional conflicts.

The approach is intentionally conservative and non-adversarial, supporting the integrity of the investigation without disrupting existing agency processes.