Forensic Pathology as Scientific Evidence
Forensic Pathology is generally understood as having to do with the investigation of causation of injuries or death as a legal requirement. In the pursuit of this, pathologists usually investigate injury or death scenes and other relevant records to ascertain the cause of death.
Practically, forensic pathology incorporates the performance of post-mortem examination, which is an examination of body tissues and organs as well as investigations such as X-rays and toxicology testing. Forensic pathology makes it possible to interpret such results and reveal cause of end point of death as required by the law.
Interpreting Evidence
The results driven from forensic pathology are bound to be subjected to interpretations. The body can transform during the process of death or after, this transformation or changes are referred to as post-mortem changes or "artefacts," these changes can be misinterpreted as ailment or injuries that took place when the body was alive.[footnoteRef:1] It is also possible that the body's position at death in relation to gravity may cause lividity that looks like bruising during post-mortem. Nonetheless, the body's handling after death is also most likely to lead to misinterpretations. Ideally it is the pathologist responsibility and duty to properly interpret the autopsy results to ascertain occurrence of artefacts and their relevance to the cause of death. [1: Goudge, S.T. (2008). Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology in Ontario....
Forensic Pathology: Forensics and DNA DNA is part of the building blocks of human life and individuality: "DNA is present in nearly every cell of our bodies, and we leave cells behind everywhere we go without even realizing it. Flakes of skin, drops of blood, hair, and saliva all contain DNA that can be used to identify us" (Norrgard, 2008). DNA has long been a major part of forensics testing used
Forensic Pathology Introduction Forensic pathology is a field in criminology and medical jurisprudence that focuses on the study of a corpse to determine evidence that can be used in criminal justice or to determine the cause of death. The post mortem conducted by a forensic pathologist serves as the source of information for the autopsy report that is generated at the conclusion of the investigation. Having trained previously in anatomical pathology, the
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