Forensic pathology. Forensic pathology is a sub-section of forensics pathology that specifies in determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. The autopsy is performed by a coroner or medical examiner, usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions.A forensic pathologist is a licensed medical doctor who does physical examinations of people who have died or of people who have been injured in a potentially criminal manner.A pathologist is a physician in the medical field who studies the causes, nature, and effects of disease. The field of pathology is broad with concentrations on changes in cells, tissues, and organs that are the result of a disease.