Through the study of tissue sections under the microscope, autopsy pathologists learned to recognize normal from abnormal anatomy at the cellular level. This knowledge developed into the specialized field of Surgical Pathology, in which biopsied tissue from the living can now be quickly ruled benign or malignant, while the patient is still on the operating table. The original autopsy procedures spun off an unimagined application in the legal community. In the 1800's, autopsy reports first entered the courtroom. This individual is a medical doctor, with board certification as a pathologist, and often with sub-specialty training in the forensic sciences.
Some states still use coroners, a part of the legal system brought over from England.
Coroners are not required to be physicians. Regardless of their level of medical training, these appointed or elected officials owe their allegiance to the courts. The medical half of the job involves uncovering the anatomic evidence for how, when, and why people have died. The legal half requires explaining and defending those medical findings to a judge and jury. MEs and coroners are considered expert witnesses.