Forensic Science

Articles

• An Introduction to Forensic Science
• Forensic Archaeology
• Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Pathology
• Forensic DNA Analysis

Forensic Pathology

Forensic Pathology Definition

Forensic pathology is a field of forensic science which involves application of pathological methods in investigation of a crime and of sudden, suspicious or unexplained deaths. A forensic pathologist examines bodies in order to determine the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the cause of death as well as looks for evidence that can be used in trials. Forensic pathologists are also known as coroners.

Who Can Become a Forensic Pathologist

Forensic pathologists can become only individuals who have completed required training which varies slightly from one country to another. Typically, they are medical doctors who have completed anatomical pathology and then sub-specialised in the field of forensic pathology. In other words, they are pathologists who have also obtained skills and knowledge that are relevant for legal procedures because they also must be able to identify evidence that can be used for an eventual persecution.

What do Forensic Pathologists Do

The job of a forensic pathologist encompasses:

• Autopsies and post-mortem examinations of bodies. The main job of a forensic pathologist is to determine the cause of death on the basis of autopsy and post-mortem examination of a body. They need to determine whether the person died from a bullet wound, stab wound, strangulation, stroke, cardiac arrest, disease, poisoning, etc.

• Determination of circumstances surrounding the person’s death. Besides determining the cause of death, forensic pathologists also seek to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the person’s death. They need to determine whether death occurred naturally or whether it was homicide, accident or suicide. In rare cases, the manner of death may be undetermined.

• Collection of evidence that can be used on a trial. While performing autopsy and examining a body, forensic pathologists also look for and record evidence that can be used as proof in an eventual trial. Examples include wounds, injuries, presence of toxins in tissues or/and bodily fluids, defensive marks, etc.

• Identification of a body. Forensic pathologists are often asked to confirm identification of a body or gather information that helps determine identification of the deceased such as taking a DNA sample or/and fingerprints.

• Investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths. Forensic pathologists may also be asked to investigate sudden and unexpected deaths to determine the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the person’s death (natural, homicide, suicide, etc.).

• Witness as an expert in court. When forensic pathologists provide evidence for legal procedures, they are usually called as expert witnesses in court trials to testify about their findings.