Define Forensic Pathology

Pathology is the field of medicine that focuses on diseases. In a forensic context, pathology is used to determine how someone died---and whether that death was the result of a crime.

Autopsies

One way forensic pathology is used is to determine how someone died. This is done through examinations, known as autopsies, when someone's internal organs and body fluids are studied. This procedure can reveal if disease or another cause was responsible for the death.

Cause of Death

The cause of death refers to the biological reason someone died. Autopsies can reveal if someone died by things such as a heart attack or injuries caused by a weapon.

Manner of Death

Forensic pathology can also determine the manner of someone's death, information that reveals whether a crime has been committed. The manner of death can be homicide, suicide or natural causes.

Injury Examination

Forensic pathology also includes the study injuries to detect ongoing abuse. The information that is found in injury examinations can be used in elder and child abuse cases.

Public Health

Forensic pathology has public health applications such as disease prevention and control. The science is used to track genetic disorders and identify products that can cause diseases.

References

• Forensic Science
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences