What is meant by "manner of death" in forensic terminology?

"Manner of death" refers specifically to the circumstances or mechanisms that lead to a person's death, categorizing it into classifications such as natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined. It addresses the context and the situation surrounding the death rather than the biological or physical factors that might have led to it.

This understanding is crucial in forensic investigations, as it allows investigators to establish a clearer picture of how and why a person died, which is essential for legal and procedural purposes. It captures the broader picture of the event leading to death, as opposed to the physical cause, time of death, or pre-existing health conditions, which are more focused and specific aspects of the case.