How Is a Forensic Entomologist Different from a Forensic Pathologist?

Forensic pathologists conduct autopsies to uncover the cause of death.

Forensic entomology and forensic pathology are two branches of forensic science. Forensic science, or forensics, is the use of scientific technology and procedures to aid in the identification, exoneration or conviction of an individual or suspect in a criminal investigation or a trial. Although forensic entomology and forensic pathology have some similarities, the two are quite different.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology is the use of medicine and science to discover the cause of death. A forensic pathologist will conduct this investigation specifically for an investigation of trial. Forensic pathologists specialize in analyzing what time a death occurred, how the death occurred and how long the individual was dead. A forensic pathologist will analyze human tissue and organs during an autopsy to try and understand what took place.

Importance of Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology provides valuable information to investigators and to the court of law. Oftentimes, when investigators locate a corpse, a forensic pathologist will conduct an autopsy. This procedure can glean invaluable evidence for investigators, such as how many wounds the victim had, the exact cause of death, the presence of natural disease as well as any wound patterns. A forensic pathologist will present the manner of death, for instance, suicide, homicide, accidental, natural or unknown. In this regard, the opinion of the forensic pathologist is vital.

Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology is the analyzing of insects to aid in a criminal investigation or trial. One form of forensic entomology is the study of feeding or brooding insects in human remains. This form of forensic entomology is called medicolegal. Two other branches of forensic entomology exist: urban and stored product pests. Urban forensic entomology looks at human-insect relationships. Stored product pests, on the other hand, mainly has to do with food contamination investigations and trials.

Importance of Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology provides important information for investigators and the legal system. For instance, by looking at insects within human remains, a forensic entomologist can help show how long the person was dead and where the person died. Urban forensic entomology is important for cases involving monetary damages due to a specific insect. Other uses of urban forensic entomology include identifying the nature of insect wounds -- natural, accidental or forced.

References

• Forensic Entomology: What Is Forensic Entomology?
• EDnformatics: Forensic Pathology
• Forensic Medecine: Forensic Pathology
• Forensic Medecine: Forensic Entomology