California Becomes First State to Ban 'Excited Delirium' as Cause of Death

California passed legislation prohibiting coroners from listing 'excited delirium' on death certificates.
'Excited delirium' has been criticized as rooted in racism and used to justify deaths in police custody.
Major U.S. medical associations have dismissed 'excited delirium' as unscientific and lacking evidence.
The controversial term has been associated with deaths of mostly Black and brown people during police encounters.
California's ban comes amid scrutiny of law enforcement tactics following the murder of George Floyd.