Forensic pathology

From ArticleWorld

Forensic pathology is the legal aspect of pathology that is specifically focused on the cause of an individual’s death, the mechanisms behind the death of the individual, the examination and documentation of wounds that may be relevant and the examination of relevant tissues. Forensic pathologists can be coroners or medical examiners and often work closely with the police department to both determine causation but to aid in any prosecutorial evidence that may be necessary.

Scope

Forensic pathologists often become involved in the situation of an unexplained death. Some of these doctors go to the scene of the crime in order to examine the body in situ and to evaluate possible causes of death. They often work in association with the police or a homicide detective in an attempt to establish the causation of the death. They may take participate in the sampling of blood at the scene or help direct the taking of appropriate pictures.

The forensic pathologist is responsible for the legal autopsy of the deceased. Pictures are taken of possible wounds or deformities. Fingernails may be examined and clipped for forensic examination. The body is examined and measured carefully with trace fibers or other findings removed for possible use in prosecution.

The body is then often examined interiorly, looking for foreign bodies, skeletal abnormalities as well as the effects of puncture wounds. Sometimes, the path of a bullet is studied in order to help prosecutors understand what happened. Sometimes blood is taken for the presence of drugs, alcohol or toxins. This information is provided to prosecution and the method and manner of death is recorded on an official death certificate.

Legal issues

As the role of the forensic pathologist is both legal and medical, he or she must take care to follow all legal rules and procedures in the collection of evidence and the determination of death. He or she must function well in the courtroom and provide clear and concise evidence to a jury. While a forensic pathologist is generally functioning in a prosecutorial role, he or she is bound by law to uncover all the evidence whether or not it supports the prosecution’s case.