CHY 183 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Forensic Pathology, Buccal Swab, Gunshot Residue
Document Summary
Forensic pathologist: investigative personnel (i. e. medical examiners/coroners) who investigate the cause, manner, and time of death of a victim in a crime; can also be a physician who"s trained for autopsies. Determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. Responsible for certifying manner and cause of death. Critical phase = preliminary reconstruction of events that preceded the onset of death. All significant details of scene must be recorded (photograph) especially blood spatter patterns w/ scales. First focus of investigation is identification of deceased (decedent) Surgical examination of a body after death by a pathologist to determine cause of death. Goal is to determine the cause and confirm manner of death (often used in criminal proceedings) All steps of autopsy must be documented and photographed (w/ scale and descriptions) Date, time, place, who performed autopsy, and who attended the autopsy. Focus on internal organ findings and medical condition.
