INTRODUCTION

MEDICINE

The science and art of diagnosing, treating, curing and preventing disease, relieving pain and improving the health of a person.

LAWA rule of conduct, just, obligatory, laid by legitimate power for common observance and benefit.Includes regulations and circulars which are issued to implement a law and have the effect of law.Characteristics: ( 1) rule of conduct(2) dictated by legitimate power ( 3) compulsory & obligatory to all

LEGAL MEDICINE

Scope of Legal Medicine

SCOPE OF LEGAL MEDICINE

BASIC SCIENCES

Anatomy Physiology Biochemistry Physics Genetics

SCOPE OF LEGAL MEDICINE

SURGERY

Gunshot WoundsPhysical InjuriesTraumaBurns

SCOPE OF LEGAL MEDICINE

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Drug dependence / addictionAsphyxiaComaAlcoholismPoisoningPsychiatric diseasesImpotency / sterility

SCOPE OF LEGAL MEDICINE

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Pregnancy & BirthAbortionMethods of ProcreationVirginity & deflorationSexual crimes

SCOPE OF LEGAL MEDICINE

PATHOLOGY

Death- natural, violent or disasterBlood studiesPaternityDNA, FingerprintingDental pathology

Nature of the Study of Legal Medicine M E D I C O L E G A L O F F I C E R

Facts Verbal Written Communication Communication CONCLUSION

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

Medico-legal CasesInjuries or deaths involving persons who have no means of being identifiedPersons pronounced as DOA or dead on arrivalVictims of physical injuries gunshot, stabbing, mauling, vehicular accidents, asphyxia, electrocution, burns, suicide, poisoning

Medico-legal CasesDeath under the following circumstances: 1) Within 24 hours of admission when the clinical cause is unknown 2) Sudden death when the victim was in apparent good health 3) Due to natural causes but associated with evidence of foul play4) Due to violence, accident, suicide, poisoning or negligent act of another person

Medico-legal Cases

5) Child abuse, domestic violence, rape, alcoholism, and drug addiction6) Mental competency of the patient7) Iatrogenic causes due to the negligent acts or omissions of the hospital staff resulting in physical or mental incapacitation or death of the patient

Ordinary PhysicianMedical Jurist

Treatment INJURY OR DISEASEDiagnosis PURPOSE

Not recorded MINOR INJURIES

Cause

Report to the court or investigative body

Recorded

Medico-legal Officers

Health Officers municipality, city, provinceMedical Officers of Law Enforcement Agencies- NBI, NAPOLCOMMedical Staff of Accredited Hospitals- CCMC, VSMMCAny physician appointed by the Court (Sec. 2, Art. III, Code of Medical Ethics)

PD 856 Code of SanitationPersons Authorized to Perform Autopsies

Health OfficersMedical Officers of Law Enforcement AgenciesMembers of the Medical staff of Accredited Hospitals

Branches of Law where Legal Medicine is applicableCivil LawCriminal LawRemedial LawSpecial Laws- Dangerous Drugs Act, Child and Youth Welfare Code, Code of Sanitation, etc.

CIVIL LAWDetermination and Termination of Civil Personality (Art. 40 & 41)The Limitation or Restriction of a Natural Persons Capacity to Act (Art. 23 & 39)Marriage & Legal Separation (CC & Family Code)Paternity & FiliationTestamentary Capacity of a Person Making a Will

CRIMINAL LAW

Circumstances Affecting Criminal LiabilityCrimes Against PersonsCrimes Against Chastity

REMEDIAL LAW

Physical & Mental Examination of a PersonProceedings for Hospitalization of an Insane Person Rules on Evidences

SPECIAL LAWS

Dangerous Drugs ActYouth & Child Welfare CodeInsurance LawCode of Sanitation