O.C.G.A. § 45-16-42 (2019)
Offering in evidence of results of examination
In all inquests the results of the medical examiner’s inquiry performed shall be offered in evidence either by oral testimony of the medical examiner or by introduction of a copy of the report filed with the director of the division, as verified in the cases requiring verification. The jury shall be free to reach a verdict in accord or discord with such evidence but in all cases such evidence must be presented to them for their consideration.
History
(Ga. L. 1953, Jan.-Feb. Sess., p. 602, § 18; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1735, § 3.)
Annotations
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Legal effect of coroner’s decision. - The decisions of a coroner or inquest are nothing more legally than a statement of an expert opinion as to the nature of the decedent’s death, and, as such, lack any legally binding significance. 1967 Op. Att’y Gen. No. 67-378.
The decision of a coroner once reached, and a death certificate filed, is as final and binding as a verdict rendered by a coroner’s jury. 1967 Op. Att’y Gen. No. 67-378.
RESEARCH REFERENCES Am. Jur. 2d. - 18 Am. Jur. 2d, Coroners or Medical Examiners, § 7 et seq. ALR. - Reviewing, setting aside, or quashing of verdict at coroner’s inquest, 78 ALR2d 1218.
Official death certificate as evidence of cause of death in civil or criminal action, 21 ALR3d 418.
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