[Correct indications and performing of autopsies in the Czech republic]

Since July 1st 2016 Czech law, after more than two years after the new Civil code came into force, in turn, permits performing the clinician indicated pathological-anatomical autopsies with regard to their basic purpose, which is to identify the cause of death, other diseases, complications of diseases and to verify the clinical diagnosis and medical treatment of patient.For physicians requesting an autopsy it is important to know the rules for their indication and implementation. These rules respect the public interest in performing the autopsies as well as the possibility to decide about post-mortem treatment of the own body and bodies of close relatives.Clinical autopsies can be divided into three groups: absolutely obligatory (carried always), relatively obligatory for professional reasons (with possibility of cancellation after additional professional assessment by a provider performing the autopsy) and relatively mandatory after the disapproval of the autopsy (by the deceased during his life or on the request of close relatives after death).The paper presents a review of medical practice regarding autopsies indicated by clinicians according to generally binding legal regulations in the Czech Republic.