situations where an autopsy might be recommended or required

Unexplained or unexpected deaths: If the cause of death is unclear or the circumstances surrounding the death are unusual or suspicious, an autopsy can help determine what happened.

Homicide or foul play suspected: When there is a reason to believe that the death may have been caused by violence or intentional harm, an autopsy can provide important evidence. 

In cases where the cause of death is critical to an ongoing criminal investigation (such as a murder or manslaughter), an autopsy is often mandated by law enforcement.

Death during or after an arrest: If someone dies while in police custody or during an interaction with law enforcement, an autopsy is usually required to ensure transparency and rule out potential police misconduct.

Sudden death in a non-hospital setting: If someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly in their home or another non-medical setting, an autopsy can help establish the cause and clear up any ambiguity.

If the death may be linked to a contagious disease or public health emergency, an autopsy can help identify the cause and prevent further spread.

Toxic exposure: In cases where poisoning, drug overdose, or exposure to environmental toxins (such as chemicals or radiation) is suspected, an autopsy may be ordered to confirm the cause. 

In some cases, if the deceased had underlying health issues that were not fully understood or diagnosed during their life, an autopsy can provide insights into the disease or condition.

Genetic or hereditary conditions: If a family is concerned about genetic conditions that may have contributed to the death, an autopsy can reveal genetic disorders that may not have been diagnosed during life.

Research and education: Medical professionals or researchers may order autopsies for scientific purposes, such as studying rare diseases, to further medical knowledge. 

In cases where there is a need to settle an insurance claim, an autopsy might be required to clarify the cause of death, especially if it is unclear or if the insurance policy has specific clauses related to the cause of death.

Disputes regarding the cause of death: In some cases, family members or legal representatives may request an autopsy if there are disagreements or doubts about the cause of death, especially in cases of unexplained or suspicious circumstances. 

Sometimes, the family of the deceased may request an autopsy for closure, to understand the cause of death better, or to rule out specific conditions. Depending on local laws, the family may have the right to request an autopsy, though this can vary.

In some jurisdictions, the local coroner or medical examiner has the authority to order an autopsy in cases where there is uncertainty regarding the cause of death, or if the death falls under certain legal categories.

State or national law: Some regions have laws mandating an autopsy in specific situations (e.g., deaths that occur under medical care, deaths involving children, or deaths in custodial settings).

Consent: 

In cases where the family is involved, the autopsy may require consent. However, in many situations, such as those involving criminal investigations or public health concerns, consent is not required, and the autopsy may be carried out regardless. 

Religious or cultural considerations:

Some families may have cultural or religious reasons for not wanting an autopsy, and in those cases, these factors should be considered alongside legal or medical reasons. 

Autopsies are crucial tools for determining the cause of death in a wide variety of circumstances. They are especially important when there's ambiguity about the cause, or when the death may have legal, medical, or public health implications. Whether ordered by a coroner, medical examiner, or at the family's request, the decision to perform an autopsy generally revolves around ensuring accurate knowledge of the cause of death for legal, clinical, or familial purposes.