What does the term "manner of death" refer to in forensic science?

The term "manner of death" in forensic science specifically refers to the classification of the way in which a person died. It encompasses the general category that describes the circumstances surrounding the event, such as whether it was natural, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal. This classification helps forensic experts, law enforcement, and medical professionals to understand the context of the death and aids in legal and investigative processes.

In contrast, "cause of death" refers to the specific physiological reason leading to death, such as a medical condition or injury, and does not encompass the broader circumstances of how that death occurred. The term also does not focus on specific details surrounding a homicide or the legal ramifications surrounding a death; rather, it provides a higher-level categorization. Therefore, defining "manner of death" simply as "the fashion of how death came to be" aligns closely with the intended meaning in forensic practice.