An analysis of legally uncertified deaths in England and Wales, 1979-2002.

Legally uncertified deaths are unusual, with not more than a few hundred occurring each year. However, they are of interest because they have increased in number over the last 25 years. This article examines the circumstances under which deaths become legally uncertified and presents information on their characteristics and recent trends. The number of uncertified deaths increased from 248 in 1979 to 861 in 2002, a change from 0.04 per cent of all deaths in 1979 to 0.16 per cent of all deaths in 2002. The increase was particularly marked among infants dying in the first day of life.