What is the primary purpose of an autopsy report?

The primary purpose of an autopsy report is to determine the cause of death. Autopsies are thorough examinations of a body after death, typically conducted by a forensic pathologist, and they yield critical insights into how and why an individual died. The autopsy report systematically details the findings from the examination, including any diseases, injuries, or other factors that may have contributed to death. This information is crucial not only for legal purposes but also for public health statistics, family closure, and potentially preventing similar deaths in the future.

Other options, while they may have relevance in the context of an investigation or the processes surrounding law enforcement and notification, do not encapsulate the primary focus of an autopsy report. Documenting the investigation process or providing support documents serves different functions and may be part of the broader investigative framework, but they are not the core intent of the autopsy itself. Similarly, notifying the next of kin is an essential procedural aspect following a death but is separate from the scientific and medical conclusions drawn from the autopsy report.