RISE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE Flashcards
why did legal systems (adversarial and inquisitorial) have a significant impact on which forensic medicine or medico-legal expertise developed?
under inquisitorial system medical witnesses became commonplace by 17th cenutry, english accusatorial system used juries so left little scope for medical witnesses, not until 19th century medico experts became more common
who and what is the coroners court?
an elected official, who examined body for injury and signs of violence, cause of death, office was originally unpaid, also bulk period of time were without medical training
what were some coroners court developments ?
from 1751 there was a 1 pound for each inquest, 1830s attempt by thomas wakely to ensure coroners were impartial and medically trained
what did the coroners act 1836 authorise?
coroners to establish medical evidence and provided up to 2.2 s for autopsies and toxicological analysis
by late 18th century in what cases could expert medical witnesses be utilised?
cases of poisoning as well as insanity
what was a nickname of arsenic
“inheritance powder”
what trial indicated need in crimnal poison trials?
william palmer trial. he was a surgeon and was indicted of murder of one of his gambling associates where he used strychnine on him to kill his associate and steal 3000 pounds
