Forensic Medicine Introduction Dr. Raid Jastania

Forensic Medicine Definition: –Branch of “Medical” practice concerns with –Legal issues –In Life and Death –Usually performed by Pathologists

Forensic Medicine Who performs what: –It depends on the legal system of the country –Terms: Coroner Medical Examiner Court Death certification Police

Aspects of Forensic Medicine Life and Death Medical Malpractice Abuse Ethics in medical practice Legal issues

Autopsy Definition: –Post mortem examination of body –External –Internal organ –Types: Clinical “Hospital” Autopsy Forensic Autopsy –Description of Autopsy Suite

Medical Reporting

Who is requesting the Report –Police, judge, lawyer, government department Am I entitled to write such a report? –Confidentiality –Lack of knowledge –Consent of living patient “assumed” consent –Criminal cases

Exercise: What do we need to write in Autopsy report? Make a List!

Structure of a Report Patient data Doctor Data Time, date, place People attending autopsy Consent of autopsy –Next of ken –Extent of autopsy –Special requests

Structure of a Report Physical Examination Treatment given X-rays Blood tests, toxicology Openion

Tips for Reporting Make it Simple Relevant information ?Abbreviations Background of death Scene visit of death Confidential No change or delete