Why can a manner of death be listed as undetermined?

In the context of forensic pathology, a manner of death is typically classified as homicide, accident, suicide, or natural causes. However, when a death is of suspicious origin or the circumstances surrounding it are unclear, determining the specific manner can be problematic.1

In jurisdictions where it is permitted, a forensic pathologist may list the manner of death as "undetermined" or a variant when the available evidence—gathered through an autopsy, toxicological analysis, and investigation of the death scene—is insufficient to definitively categorize the death into one of the standard classifications. This designation reflects a commitment to scientific accuracy and ethical integrity, ensuring that a manner of death is not falsely attributed when the evidence does not support a conclusive finding.12