What term refers to a public officer whose duties may include the investigation of death?

The appropriate term for a public officer tasked with the investigation of death is the coroner. A coroner is responsible for determining the cause of death in cases that are sudden, unexpected, or have legal implications. This role often involves conducting autopsies, gathering evidence, and working with law enforcement during investigations.

While a justice of the peace may handle certain legal matters, such as officiating weddings or overseeing minor legal proceedings, this position does not specialize in death investigations. The medical examiner, similar to a coroner, is often a licensed physician who conducts autopsies and has a more formal role in analyzing the body and determining cause of death, particularly in more serious or complex cases. An executor, on the other hand, is responsible for managing and distributing a deceased person's estate, which does not involve the investigation of death itself.

Thus, the role of coroner accurately encapsulates the duties related to investigating deaths, making it the correct choice.