Forensic Autopsy as Legal Evidence: Legal and Ethical Responsibility of Forensic Doctors in Criminal Justice

This article examines the dual function of forensic autopsies as both scientific procedures and critical instruments of legal evidence in murder investigations. It emphasizes the legal and ethical responsibilities of forensic doctors in conducting autopsies, particularly in cases with conflicting findings. Using normative legal methods and a case study analysis, including the controversial death of Brigadier J in Indonesia, this paper explores how discrepancies in autopsy results can undermine legal certainty and justice. The findings underscore the urgent need for forensic doctors to adhere strictly to ethical codes and legal standards to maintain credibility and reliability in criminal justice proceedings.