Forensic medicine is a medical specialty that connects healthcare and the legal system. It uses medical expertise to investigate cases involving individuals for the benefit of the justice system.

Main tasks include:

• Investigations of deaths

• Injury examinations on living persons

Forensic autopsies are performed at the request of the police or district prosecutors to determine the cause and circumstances of death (e.g., accidents, suicide, homicide, natural causes, or uncertain circumstances).

In Iceland, forensic autopsies are conducted exclusively at the Pathology Department of Landspítali, with around 300 autopsies performed each year. Investigations are often comprehensive and time-consuming; results may take up to 6 months.

During autopsies, previously unknown medical conditions may be discovered that can have genetic significance for relatives

Typically, 2–3 days pass between death and the forensic autopsy, which should be considered when planning funerals and burials.

Death certificates are issued immediately after the autopsy to allow the funeral to proceed without delay. Certificates are sent electronically to the local district commissioner: https://island.is/danarvottord

Information about forensic autopsy results is provided by the relevant police authority, not directly by the department.