AN OVERVIEW OF THE MEDICOLEGAL SYSTEM OF DEATH INVESTIGATION IS DISCUSSED, ALONG WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATIONAL STANDARDIZATION. SEVERAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEGUN TO SET STANDARDS FOR DESIGNING POLICIES GEARED TO EXISTING PUBLIC HEALTH DEMANDS. THEY HAVE MADE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS: (1) REGIONALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF FACILITIES, (2) WIDESPREAD DISSEMINATION OF NEW TECHNIQUES AND TECHOLOGIES THROUGH CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND (3) MOVEMENT AWAY FROM THE CONFINES OF STRICTLY FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS TOWARD A MORE COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH. THE STUDY DETAILS THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEATH INVESTIGATION SYSTEM FOR EACH STATE AND TERRITORY, PROVIDING THE STATUTORY BASES FOR THE SYSTEM IN SUMMARY FORM, WRITTEN IN TERMS UNDERSTANDABLE TO THE LAYMAN. THE SECOND PART OF THE STUDY GIVES A MORE TECHNICAL LEGAL ANALYSIS KEYED TO CERTAIN FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AS CORRELATED TO THE CITED STATUTORY PROVISIONS. INCLUDED ARE INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEATH INVESTIGATION, RATHER THAN THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE. THIS REPORT IS PREMISED UPON LEGAL ANALYSIS OF EACH JURISDICTION'S STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND CONSTITUTIONAL AND DECISION LAW. THERE ARE, OF COURSE, DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN LAW AND PRACTICE. THE DATA AND ANALYSES ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE CENSUS OF EACH MEDICOLEGAL SYSTEM. THE CUT OFF DATE FOR AMENDMENTS (WHICH WERE REVIEWED AND INCLUDED) WAS JANUARY 31, 1977. SUPPLEMENTAL TABULAR DATA ARE APPENDED WHICH SHOW RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL STATE AND TERRITORY POLICIES. (BAC)