The Controversy of Excited Delirium as a Cause of Death

This chapter discusses the concept of excited delirium and its controversial status within the medical and forensic pathology communities. It explores the theories and actions of Dr. Wetley, a forensic pathologist who propagated the theory of excited delirium, and the efforts of civil rights lawyer Julia Sherwin to expose the debunked science behind it. The chapter also raises concerns about the racial disparities in cases where excited delirium is listed as a cause of death and its implications on law enforcement's treatment of people of color.