Chapter 1

Question 1

Name the different classifications of non natural deaths

Answer 1

1- Death due to violence to the body
2- Death classified as unnatural by section 56 of the Health Professions Act
3- Death due to omission or commission
4- Sudden or unexpected death

Question 2

What is the definition of Death

Answer 2

The disease or injury that began a sequence of events that led directly to death

Question 3

Name the Primary causes of death

Answer 3

1- Place, environment, circumstances or scene of death
2- Mechanisms of death
3- Contributory conditions or causes
4- Predisposing conditions or causes
5- Precipitating conditions or causes
6- Terminal causes of death
7- Sole cause of Death

Question 4

The primary causes of death are determined by Court after an evaluation of the following evidence

Answer 4

1- Evidence of the doctor that carries out the post mortem examination
2- Evidence of personnel from a specific laboratory
3- The doctors opinion
4- Evidence of others

Question 5

Explain the evidence of the doctor who carries out the post mortem examination

Answer 5

1- Findings which indicate a specific occurrence

2- Exclusion of other possible causes of death

Question 6

Explain the Evidence of personnel from a specific laboratory

Answer 6

1- Result of investigating of blood from left and right ventricles in the case of a suspected drowning
2- Result of histological investigation to confirm or exclude macroscopic changes
3- Result of toxicological investigation of organs and body fluids in the case of suspected poisoning

Question 7

The evidence of others

Answer 7

1- The state of health of the deceased and indications whether a death was suspected or not
2- The course of events which led to the death

Question 8

Name the different types of causes of death

Answer 8

1- Natural or non natural death

Question 9

In terms of the Inquest Act, the judicial officer shall record a finding on the following

Answer 9

1- The identity of the deceased
2- The date or likely date of death
3- The cause or likely cause of death
4- Whether death was brought about by an act or an omission involving or amounting prima facia to an offense on the part of any person

Question 10

At termination of Inquest, the judicial office is required to submit the record to the Director of Public Prosecution in the following circumstances

Answer 10

1- If he cannot make a finding
2- If he makes a finding that death was brought about by an act omission involving or amounting to an offense
3- If the DPP requested that this be done

Question 11

The following questions need to be asked by the doctor preparing to give evidence on a particular form of treatment

Answer 11

1- Was the drug or procedure the correct choice and was I competent to administer it
2- Was there a clear indication for its use
3- Was I aware of the dangers involved and contra-indications
4- Did I anticipate by acceptable methods the possibility that the patient might exhibit any idiosyncrasy to such use
5- Was I in a position to skillfully apply the necessary counteractants
6- Was I in a position to skillfully manage any complications due to intervention