Opinion ID: 1959412
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Chief Medical Examiner's Finding of Accidental Death

Text: The defendant also appeals the denial of his motion to dismiss the indictment based on the Chief Medical Examiner's 1978 finding that the cause of Kevin Chapman's death was accidental. We do not credit the defendant's suggestion that a finding by the Chief Medical Examiner is binding upon the Attorney General, and we hold that the motion was properly denied. We note that 22 M.R.S.A. § 3022 (1980) establishes the Office of Chief Medical Examiner within the Department of the Attorney General. Furthermore, 5 M.R. S.A. § 200-A (1979) places full responsibility for the direction and control of all investigation and prosecution of homicides in the Attorney General. Clearly, the Chief Medical Examiner's authority is subordinate to that of the Attorney General. A finding by the Chief Medical Examiner does not in any way diminish the Attorney General's power and duty to institute, conduct and maintain prosecutions. See In re Estate of Thompson, 414 A.2d 881, 890 (Me.1980).