This recommendation calls on states to apply a set of principles and rules aimed at harmonising medico-legal autopsy procedures at European level. Internationally recognised and applied autopsy rules are vital to prevent torture and ill-treatment, especially when there has been a death in custody. They will also reduce the number of cases brought to court, and second autopsies on people who have died abroad. The text specifies when and how medico-legal autopsies should be carried out, and includes recommendations for control of forensic laboratories in quality assurance programmes.