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