forensic pathology pathology 1. the science of pathology branch of medicine associated with the...
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Forensic PathologyForensic PathologyPathology 1Pathology 1
The Science of PathologyThe Science of Pathology
Branch of medicine associated with the study of structural changes caused by disease or injury
Two branches Anatomic
Deals with structural alterations of the human body
Includes autopsies Clinical
Deals with laboratory examination of samples removed from the body
Includes toxicology screens, blood tests, microbiology, hematology
The Coroner/M.E. The Coroner/M.E. SystemsSystems
Coroner Usually elected Need not even be a medical doctor,
although they should have had at least some medical training
Not exempt from civil liability for acts of negligence
The Coroner/M.E. The Coroner/M.E. SystemsSystems
Medical examiner Operates out of centralized county
to state level offices Frequently vested with both law
enforcement powers (to hire their own homicide investigators) and quasi-judicial powers (to call inquests and take sworn testimony).
Exempt from civil liability for acts of negligence
Forensic PathologyForensic Pathology
Adds the word "unnatural" or "suspicious" to pathology
Most forensic pathologists are experts in both branches of pathology
All are medical doctors certified by American Board of Pathology
Can be called as “expert witnesses” and must understand court systems and legal proceedings
CertificationCertification
CertificationCertification At least 2 years beyond medical schoolAt least 2 years beyond medical school Must pass a Board examMust pass a Board exam
All certified F.P.s are certified at:All certified F.P.s are certified at: Establishing cause of deathEstablishing cause of death Estimating time of deathEstimating time of death Inferring the type(s) of weapon used Inferring the type(s) of weapon used Distinguishing homicide from suicide Distinguishing homicide from suicide Establishing the identity of the deceased Establishing the identity of the deceased Determining the additive effect of trauma Determining the additive effect of trauma
or pre-existing conditions or pre-existing conditions
The Medical/Legal The Medical/Legal Purpose Purpose
F.P.s have to serve two groupsF.P.s have to serve two groups To investigate any death in the To investigate any death in the
“public interest” “public interest” Serve both the criminal justice Serve both the criminal justice
and public health systemsand public health systems Must investigate cooperatively Must investigate cooperatively
with but separate from law with but separate from law enforcement and prosecutorsenforcement and prosecutors
The “Public Interest”The “Public Interest”
ViolenceViolence Non-natural deathsNon-natural deaths Otherwise healthyOtherwise healthy Infants/childrenInfants/children Unusual or suspicious circumstancesUnusual or suspicious circumstances Those in custodyThose in custody Threatening diseases to public Threatening diseases to public
healthhealth Under care of a physicianUnder care of a physician
Obligations of Obligations of M.E./CoronerM.E./Coroner
Perform autopsiesPerform autopsies Supervise all personnel assisting in Supervise all personnel assisting in
processprocess Perform dissections/organ removalPerform dissections/organ removal Determine need for special testing Determine need for special testing
or dissectionsor dissections Interpret all lab resultsInterpret all lab results Determine circumstances/cause of Determine circumstances/cause of
deathdeath Issue death certificateIssue death certificate