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Forensic Pathology Research Paper

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The ancient Egyptians, often associated only with mummies, were not only advanced in their embalming abilities; but were one of the first early civilizations to do legally documented postmortem exams after the suspicious death of a high ranking member of society. A lot of historians regard Imhotep (2650-2600BC) as one of the first medicolegal experts because of his position as Chief Justice and Pharaoh's doctor. In 44BC, there was a documented report of a forensic pathology exam done after the death of Julius Caesar. It was concluded that despite 23 wounds, only one was fatal. In 1507, medical testimony given by doctors who performed postmortem exams were given high importance in homicide trials conducted in Europe. By 1890 the official title of Medical Examiner …show more content…

People have a morbid but natural curiosity about death, and TV helps people look at death and not look away. While there's nothing wrong with watching today's popular crime shows, they are not forensic science but rather forensic fiction. Shows like C.S.I. wouldn't be quite as interesting to the viewer if it were wholly accurate. Not all postmortem exams are done because of some big, elaborate web of crime. Forensic pathologists deal with homicides, suicides, accidents, prison deaths and other unfortunate circumstances. Generally on television, they're prone to show you a gruesome victim, then have the deceased opened up on an autopsy table. While internal exams are done, there is a lot of external evidence and procedures to go through: clean up, identification, measurements, x-rays, photographs, ect. Toxicology reports and other tests are standard, as seen on TV, but rest assured that labs do not come back as quickly when not crammed into a 40minute episode. Forensic pathology is not about the glamour and excitement of

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