Second Autopsy Review Program

In limited circumstances, prosecutors may have concerns regarding the completeness or adequacy of a prior medicolegal autopsy, particularly when questions arise early in the case investigative phase.

The Second Autopsy Review Program provides an independent, board-certified forensic pathology evaluation at the request of a prosecutorial agency. The purpose of this program is to support the integrity of the criminal justice process by ensuring that forensic medical findings are fully documented, appropriately interpreted, and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

This program is offered at no cost to prosecutorial agencies.

Second autopsies are not routine and are not intended to replace or undermine the work of Sheriff-Coroner offices. They are reserved for circumstances in which a prosecutorial agency determines that an independent re-examination may materially assist in case evaluation or legal review.

Common contexts include:

• Concerns regarding the completeness of prior examination or documentation
• Discovery of previously unexamined or untested anatomic structures
• Evolving scientific standards or interpretive questions
• Post-conviction or appellate review
• Complex pediatric, traumatic, or skeletal cases

The goal is clarification and completeness, not advocacy.

Depending on case circumstances and evidentiary availability, services may include:

• Review of original autopsy reports, photographs, histology, imaging, and investigative materials
• Re-examination of retained organs, tissues, or skeletal elements
• Second autopsy examination
• Evaluation of disinterred remains, when legally authorized
• Targeted histologic, radiologic, or anthropologic assessment as appropriate

All examinations are performed by board-certified forensic pathologists, with subspecialty consultation incorporated when indicated.

When courts authorize disinterment, second autopsy examinations may be conducted to address unresolved medical questions or evidentiary gaps. These evaluations are performed with strict attention to chain of custody, documentation, and statutory requirements.

Disinterment examinations are undertaken only when:

• Legally authorized
• Scientifically justified
• Requested by a prosecutorial authority

The Second Autopsy Review Program operates independently of the original certifying agency. Findings are documented objectively and reported without predetermined conclusions.

This program is not prosecution-driven, outcome-driven, or adversarial in nature. It exists to support accurate fact-finding in the criminal justice system.

This program is available exclusively to:

• District Attorney offices
• Prosecutorial agencies acting within their statutory authority

Referrals must originate from a prosecutorial agency. The program is not available for private requests, civil litigation, or non-governmental referrals.

Prosecutorial agencies may initiate confidential discussions regarding case suitability, scope of review, and evidentiary considerations.

Direct contact information is provided for agency-to-agency communication.

This program is administered by NAAG Forensic, a California-based forensic pathology contractor providing services to the criminal justice system. Participation in the program does not imply criticism of prior examinations or agencies and does not pre-judge case outcomes.