ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a manner of death?

1. Natural causes

2. Homicidal

3. Accidental

4. Asphyxiation

The correct answer is: Asphyxiation

The correct choice indicates that asphyxiation is not categorized as a manner of death. Instead, it is classified as a cause of death. The manner of death typically describes the circumstances surrounding how a person died, which includes categories such as natural causes, homicide, suicide, and accidental deaths. Natural causes refer to deaths resulting from internal factors, such as illness or old age, while homicidal denotes that a death was caused by another person’s deliberate actions. Accidental deaths occur due to unforeseen circumstances or unintentional injuries. Each of these reflects broader categories under which a death can be determined based on intent, circumstance, and specific events leading to the fatality. In contrast, asphyxiation specifically describes a situation in which a person cannot breathe properly, leading to death. It fits into the bigger picture of causes rather than the overall manner in which the death occurred. Understanding the distinction between cause and manner assists investigators in determining the context and implications surrounding a fatal incident.