Principles of Forensic Pathology
From Investigation to Certification

Presents a consistent, conceptual approach to forensic medicine and thinking, offering a framework within which to practice forensic pathology

Susan F. Ely (Author), James R. Gill (Author)

9780323917964, Elsevier Science

Hardback, published 7 November 2022

614 pages
27.6 x 21.6 x 3.4 cm, 1.9 kg

Principles of Forensic Pathology: From Investigation to Certification offers a conceptual framework and foundational approach to a forensic practice grounded by evidence-based and mechanistic thinking. This book uses a systematic approach to address, explain, and guide the reader through diverse topics relevant to forensic pathologists and medicolegal death investigators. Nineteen chapters provide a comprehensive overview of the field of forensic pathology and discusses central topics such as scene investigation, the pathophysiology of death, death certification, the forensic autopsy, forensic imaging, pediatric forensic pathology, the importance of context, and approaches to frequently encountered medicolegal death circumstances, with mental checklists and suggestions for a consistent and considered approach. Written by forensic professionals, this book is a practical, yet comprehensive compendium for practicing forensic pathologists, coroners, medicolegal death investigators, forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical students interested in forensic pathology, lawyers, and law enforcement professionals.

1. Forensic pathology: overview
2. Thinking forensically: planning, anticipating, observing, documenting, inquiring, synthesizing, opining, and communicating, in that order
3. The pathophysiology of death and death certification
4. The scene investigation, postmortem changes, and time of death
5. The forensic autopsy
6. Approach to forensic perinatal and pediatric pathology
7. Approach to natural deaths (adult)
8. Approach to medical intervention-related deaths
9. Approach to firearms deaths
10. Approach to blunt, sharp, and transportation deaths
11. Approach to asphyxial deaths
12. Approach to burns, blast, and radiation injury
13. Approach to environmental deaths
14. Approach to toxicological deaths
15. Special topics: in-custody deaths, physical altercations, neglect (adult), approach to unexpected hemorrhage, and delayed and concealed homicides
16. Communication
17. The forensic pathologist's public health role
18. Developments in postmortem imaging
19. Recent and ongoing technological advancements in forensic pathology practice
I. Appendices
Appendix A. Formats of autopsy report final diagnoses
Appendix B. Format of the autopsy report
Appendix C. Autopsy report templates
Appendix D. Library for forensic pathology fellows
Appendix E. Hirschisms and Adelsonisms

Subject Areas: Life sciences: general issues [PSA]