1. Intro to Forensic Medicine; Investigation; Role of Forensic Pathologist

Question 1

Define “Forensic Medicine”

Answer 1

• Branch of Medicine which applies principles + knowledge of medical science
• In the fields of Law

Question 1

What are the Aims of Forensic Medicine?

Answer 1

• Investigates sudden, natural or unexplained violent deaths
• Aims to identify the victims
• Identify the injuries presented + time they occurred
• Identify the Mechanism + Production of Injuries
• The Connection BTW Trauma + Cause of Death
• Determine the Time Since Death

Question 2

What Questions are asked for a Forensic Pathologist?

Answer 2

1) Cause of Death = Disease which produces physiological derangement of body resulting in death

2) Mechanism of Death = Physiological derangement of body DUE to Cause

3) Manner of Death = Whether it’s Homicide, Suicide or Accidental

Question 3

What Information must the Forensic Pathologist provide?

Answer 3

• The Victim
• The injuries present
• WHEN the injuries occurred
• Why / How the injuries were produced
• Connection BTW Trauma + Cause
• Estimation of Time Since Death

Question 4

What is the Role of a Forensic Pathologist?

Answer 4

• Determine death has occurred
• Description of body location
• Examine the clothes / external body - whether they correlate to location of wound
• Brief Description of Body State - whether it’s in rigor, livor