A medical examiner is a medical doctor who is in charge of examining bodies after the death of the person to determine the cause of death. These professionals are trained to investigate all deaths that may affect the public interest. They must determine the cause, the manner of death, and the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual. The medical examiner has to be able to determine whether death was a homicide, suicide, accident or other suspicious death. The medical examiner works with the police investigating the crime scene, and shows evidence in court. The medical examiner is part of both medical and legal sides of the investigation. When doing an autopsy, you first need to examine the body. Look around on the anterior and …show more content…
There might not be any visible signs of how the death was occurred or any visible signs showing the death was caused by a health issue. The main way in which the cause of the death of the individual can be determined is by carrying out an autopsy. The autopsy shows definite proof of the cause of the death and can also shed light on the how the death occurred. For example, if the death of the victim was caused because of a stabbing, an autopsy can prove if the killer was left handed or right, tall or short, heavy or light and many more characteristics that are useful in building up a physical profile of the attacker. The autopsy can also prove if the individual tried to defend himself. In addition, the autopsy can estimate time of death. Or even if the individual was found outdoors or had been missing for a long period of time. Determining cause of death and estimating time of death are huge benefactors in any investigation and give clues as to the last moments of the individual's life. When doing an autopsy, something goes with something else. You can't do this, is you don’t have that. Every little thing ties into
The coroner is responsible for identifying the victim as well as determining the cause and manner of death.
This caught my attention right away and hooked me in. Along with being a topic I was quite interested in (reference to last nonfiction book report), the first two sentences got me wondering. What could be told from a murdered person’s body? I already had a lot of background information from research and watching shows on mystery and homicide but this question led to a million answers. Some answers were cause of death, manner of death. time of death, weapon used, etc, all of which were related because this was sparked from the thought of a dead person and my ideas. From this, I read on to determine what could be told from an expert’s point of view.
Medical examination is a competitive field of work. That very few succeed in. In order to be a medical examiner, you need handwork and determination. Medical examination has a rich history, requires years of education and training, and come in various forms.
This method may have been sufficient in the 10th century when people were illiterate and believed the world was flat; however, the scientific world since then has grown exponentially. Science is a powerful study, aiding us in understanding the complex process life and the absence of life, death. Pathology, the science of disease, has assisted in the arrests of countless criminals, uncovering the truth and more notably providing a sense of closure for the loved ones of the deceased. A coroner system without the foundation of science is a system that keeps murders on the streets, the innocent behinds bars and prosecutors frozen in cases. The most memorable example of inefficiency is Dr. Paul McGarry, who made careless errors in not just one but four autopsies. In the case of new prison inmate Cayne Miceli, McGarry initially determined the cause of death to be a drug overdose. Upon the further examination, a second examiner found a heap of mucus in her lungs indicating she had severe asthma. The doctor then concluded the real cause of death was the jail restraints on her chest blocked her airways during an asthma attack (Thompson, 2011, para 13-16). A peculiar fact about the case was the McGarry concluded the cause of death before he got the test results. Could he had been trying to hide something? After all, he is an elected official which according to the NAS
From day to day it may be different but typical the homicide detective will be called to a investigation scene. First off when you get to the scene I will assess and manage the scene. This means examining the victim for clues. Next I will document the scene I would complete a walk through, making sure I do not disturb any evidence. Also making permanent record of the scene, it is important to do this before moving anything. After that I will photography or videotape the scene conducting a thorough search; make a rough sketch; dust for fingerprints; identify, document, and collect all fluids and fibers: and control evidence to maintain its integrity. Then canvass the area to locate witnesses. This step is critical because more homicides are solved by canvassing than any other method. Finally identify suspects, proper handling suspects leads to a successful prosecution. But remember that all suspects are still entitled to their rights C. The excitement of going to work each day and not knowing what is in store for you is very interesting. This job may be asking a lot even in an investigation but the adrenaline is very
The main theme of “Final Cut” by Atul Gawande is that medicine is an inexact science and doctors are not always sure of themselves, even if they appear confident. Gawande’s main argument is simply stated: there has been a decline in the amount of autopsies performed in the medical field as a result of medical arrogance; over confident doctors believe they know the cause of death and do not want to perform autopsies. Gawande illustrates his argument by outlining the history of autopsy use in medicine, incorporating medical cases that he has experienced as a surgeon, and including statistics on autopsy usage. “Final Cut” is an outstanding profile on the decline of autopsy use in medicine. What makes “Final Cut” an enjoyable and informative article for all readers is its use of strategies associated with fiction such as the establishment of characters, balance between medical information and personal experience, and its use of active voice.
To get an idea about the patient, the forensic pathologist would first get some information about the person’s past, including their medical
In this paper, I will discuss the background of forensic pathology, the pros and cons of forensic pathology, and the similar and different in a forensic pathologist and a coroner. There are various disciplines in Forensic Science that can help with a crime, and solving that crime. One of these various disciplines is Forensic Pathology which the study of disease, and its causes, moreover; it involves the discovering the cause of the death where a death is sudden or suspicion to law enforcement. While a Forensic Pathologist can be helpful to law enforcement, and helpful in assisting in crime investigation, there are cons to being forensic pathologist. Furthermore, forensic pathologist can be confused with coroner even though they do the same
A segment of the Forensic Science in the Criminal equity organization that the vast majority acquainted with these days, however, few individuals know how this particular science came to be. Overall, legal science is intended to utilize experimental standards to clarify obscure parts of a wrongdoing. Through the utilization of uncommon tests and lab gear that permits researchers to recognize decisively different parts of a bit of confirmation in an illegal behavior. On the off chance that you occupied with finding out about how this procedure came to fruition, you have to peruse the recorded data underneath. Here is a brief history
Crime scene investigation and medical examiner television shows are always interesting and exciting to watch, but what happens when you make the contents of that television show your life? Often times, the one you see doing the investigating with not only the body at the scene, but also inspecting the body of the victim in their exam room is called the Forensic Pathologist. A Forensic Pathologist is often called to the scenes where a death has occurred so that they can legally gather information and observations so that they can proceed with the investigation. For example, they will try to find the time of death. It is very important that the forensic pathologist be contacted very early on in the investigation, due to the amount of evidence that needs to be overlooked. Forensic pathologists are educated as physicians, and are also licensed for the practice of medicine. Regional tests are given, which means that if you decide to move at any time after taking the regional test, you will be required to take it again if you move to a new state. Autopsies are a daily occurrence, and the goal of the forensic pathologist is to recreate the series of events that led up to the death of the victim.
The people who are doing this should be careful because they can erase significant evidence that can be crucial in finding the criminal. At the autopsy, pathologists start with carefully looking at the body and its clothing. They then examine the skin - looking for cuts, scratches, stabs, wounds or injection needle marks - and the nails. At the autopsy, pathologists start with carefully examine the body and its clothing. They then examine the skin - looking for cuts, scratches, stabs, wounds or injection needle marks - and the nails.
There are three different types of forensic science. The first is field forensics: they’re at the crime scene collecting evidence recording details of the crime, searching for marks or implements left by tools, or any impression from shoes and vehicles. Field forensics also investigate fires, explosions, and illegal drug laboratories. The second type are laboratory forensic scientists. Laboratory forensic scientists analyze and use observations, measurements of physical evidence, and photos of the crime scene. Laboratory scientist conduct chemical analysis, biological analysis, document examinations, ballistics analysis, and toxicology. These analyses can tell what happened, and give information to help solve cases. The final type of forensic science are medical scientists (which includes all fields of study): they examine the corpse and assess many analyses. Medical scientists use their skills to gain evidence about causes of injury and death. Forensic dentists identify teeth and bite marks, and forensic psychiatrists to identify behavior or motive. Other specialists may be called in for a unique cases: ballistics examines firearms, and technology for any cybercrimes.
Much can be learned about the victims and details of a crime through an autopsy. A critical finding in a crime is to identify the time of death. Rigor mortis can be evident up to 10 hours after death. At the point of death digestion stops and the condition of the contents inside may be a clue. After death blood stops moving and gravity pulls the blood down which makes bruising and that gives the investigators a clue to how the body lay after death. A detailed physical exam can provide clues to the cause of death. For example, a drowning victim will have soggy lungs and water in the stomach. Fingernail scrapings can provide DNA from the attacker. And a break in the hyoid bone can
In general, autopsy's are not always completed. Autopsy's are completed when a person needs to know the cause of death. There are to types of autopsy's, personal and required. Personal autopsy's are usually requested by the family due to unexpected deaths and medical issues not previously announced. Required autopsy's are completed when there are legal or medical issues present. For example, sudden death, suspicious circumstances and any type of injury.
The first Muslim autopsy took place in April 2007 in the Maldives. Islam requires that when a person dies their body is buried as quickly as possible. In 2007 the body of Husain Salah (an activist for the Maldivian Democratic Party) was found floating in a lagoon thirty six hours after being released from police custody. Salams family, along with his political party, requested an autopsy to take place as they believed Salah had died at the hands of the authorities. The Maldivian government approved the request and the body was flown to Sri Lanka, where the autopsy was carried out by Dr. L. B. L. De Alwis (chief judicial medical officer of Sri Lanka). Salah had been in prison following being arrested for a crime concerning drugs. The result