What does forensic pathology primarily focus on?

Forensic pathology primarily focuses on determining the cause of death through the examination of bodies and the evidence associated with them. This branch of medicine employs various techniques to investigate deaths that are sudden, unexplained, or involve criminal activity. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to gather information about injuries, diseases, or other factors that may have contributed to a person's death. This information is crucial in legal contexts, as it helps establish facts in criminal or civil cases involving deaths.

The other options do not align with the core functions of forensic pathology. While public health policies and mental health evaluations are significant fields, they do not specifically involve the determination of cause and manner of death, which is the hallmark of forensic pathology. Similarly, studying living organisms and their diseases is more closely associated with general pathology or microbiology rather than the forensic aspects that focus on deceased individuals and the circumstances surrounding their death.