In short, if classification as Suicide is little more than an informed guess or mere speculation, accident or undetermined are deemed to be better options. In some states, case or other law requires that a preponderance of evidence exist to classify death as Suicide.

In general, requiring a “preponderance of evidence” is a reasonable practice when deciding whether to classify a death as Suicide. To classify a death as Suicide, the burden of proof need not be “beyond any reasonable doubt,” but it should exceed “more likely than not” (that is, the burden of proof should be more compelling than 51%, which barely exceeds chance). The death results from the intentional action of the decedent, who anticipates, expects, or is at a high risk for death (e.g, ligature hanging, intentional drug overdose). *ABMDI – Medicolegal Death Investigator 1996 by Occupational Research and Assessment, Inc.Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with the intent to die as a result of the behavior *National Institute of Mental Health.The act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentional *Merriam Webster Dictionary Online.Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die.To begin with, let's look at the definition of Suicide. So, with the foundation set, let me get to my argument. To quote NAME It must be realized that when differing opinions occur regarding manner-of-death classification, there is often no “right” or “wrong” answer or specific classification that is better than its alternatives. They even start by saying the publication is a guide and manners are based upon opinions supported by facts. Some very smart folks put this publication together, and in their wisdom, they understood that manner of death is not always a defined line. The latest edition of the NAME guide I could find was the first edition written in 2002- this is the copy NAME has on their website. However, like with actual Holy Scriptures' some people take parts and pieces to fit an argument and not the text as a whole. Many in the field of death investigation use this guide as Holy Scriptures not to be questioned.

During the conversation I mentioned earlier, some cited the Guide for Manner of Death Classification published by the National Association of Medical Examiners. However, not without cause and consideration. To get things started off right, I stand more on the accident side of the question.

But as with any controversial topic, lines seem to have been drawn in the sand. Many were hardline Suicide-no discussion, and others were more on the accident side, giving some reasons for their position. I was recently a part of an online forum conversation where this question was posed, and there were mixed opinions. No matter your initial opinion of the title question, give me a minute to break down a few thoughts.

Prepo derance to death