oscillation rate of 8-14 cycles per
DECEPTION | DETECTION
I. DEVICES WHICH MEASURE THE
PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL
RESPONSE
*pre-test- actual interrogation- post test-
supplementary test
1. POLYGRAPH or LIE DETECTOR TEST
2. WORD ASSOCIATION TEST
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS EVALUATOR
POLYGRAPH or LIE DETECTOR TEST
- no degree of standardization or
acceptance yet
- trier of facts is apt to give conclusive
weight
- no qualification para-meters for
examiner
- ERROR FACTORS in the examination
itself
- examinee may unwittingly waive his
right against self-incrimination
*ERROR FACTORS:
 Nervousness and extreme emotional
tension experienced by the subject
 Physiological abnormalities
 Mental abnormalities
 Unresponsiveness in a living or guilty
subject
 Attempts to beat the machine
*latest update on POLYGRAPH: FOREIGN
COURTS HAVE RENDERED IT ADMISSIBLE!
WORD ASSOCIATION TEST
- Measures the “Time Interval” between
the stimulus words and the response
- Answer is no concern!
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS EVALUATOR
- Based on the science of graphonics
where speech is composed of audible
and inaudible frequencies at an
second
- When a person is stressed or lying, the
microtremor in the voice utterance is
suppressed
Effects upon the local courts:
 Polygraph
 Word Association Test
 Psychological Stress Evaluator
All inadmissible … but with strong PERSUASIVE
effects
II. DRUGS THAT INHIBIT THE
INHIBITOR
 the “Truth Serum”
 Narcoanalysis or Narcosynthesis
 Alcohol
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUTH SERUM
- A state of delirium is induced…
- When the proper point is reached, the
questioning begins and the subject feels
a compulsion to answer the questions
truthfully…
NARCOSYNTHESIS or NARCOANALYSIS
 Sodium Amytal
 Sodium Penthotal
INTOXICATION
 the mask of sanity
 in vino veritas
“Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine,
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I’ll not look for wine.
The thirst doth from the soul doth raise,
Doth ask a drink divine,
But might I of Jove’s nectar soup,
I would not change for thine.”
SONG TO CELIA -Ben Johnson
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 III. HYPNOSIS
MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL
WHY HYPNOSIS IS INADMISSIBLE INJURIES
IN COURT
- It lacks the general scientific acceptance
of reliability PHYSICAL INJURIES
- The judge may give it uncritical and -The effect of some form of stimulus on the
absolute reliability body from within or without
- The hypnotized subject may *Real when the effect is visible
deliberately fabricate *Apparent when stimulus is not enough
- The subject may be in a state of
“heightened suggestibility” VITAL REACTIONS
- The state of mind, skill and  rubor
professionalism of the examiner are too  calor
subjective  dolor
 function laizza
IV. OBSERVATION
CLASSIFICATION OF WOUNDS
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUILT A. AS TO SEVERITY
 Sweating 1. Mortal- brain, heart, lungs, big vessels,
 Color change upper spinal cord, stomach, liver,
 Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple spleen, intestines
 Fidgeting 2. Non-mortal- those injuries which are
 Inability to look “eye to eye” not capable of producing death
 steepling immediately or shortly thereafter
 Peculiar feeling inside
 Swearing B. AS TO KIND OF INSTRUMENT USED
 Spotless past record
 “not that I remember’ 1. BLUNT INSTRUMENT
 Contusion
SCIENTIFIC INTERROGATION  Hematoma
 Mutt and Jeff technique  Laceration
 Split-Pair technique
2. SHARP INSTRUMENTS
CONFESSION  Sharp-edged: INCISED WOUND
 Sharp-pointed: PUNCTURED
WOUND
 Sharp-edged-pointed: STAB
WOUND

Note:
Change of atmospheric pressure
(BAROTRAUMA)
Tearing force (LACERATED WOUNDS)
Heat or cold (BURNS, SCALD, FROSTBITES)
Chemical explosion (GUNSHOT or SHRAPNEL)
Infection

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 C. AS TO THE MANNER OF INFLICTION 2. DEFENSE WOUNDS
 Hit - wounds sustained by the victim while
 Gunpowder parrying the thrusts of the assailant in
 Explosion an attempt to defend himself
 Thrust - always found on the extremities of the
 Stab victim
 Sliding
 Rubbing 3. HESITATION CUTS or TEST CUTS
 Abrasion - found commonly among suicide victims.
- usually found on the area where the
D. AS TO THE DEPTH OF THE WOUND mortal cut is located
 Superficial
 Deep: penetrating, perforating 4. SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS (MOTIVES)
- To create or deliberately magnify an
E. AS TO THE SITE OF APPLICATION OF existing injury or disease for pension or
FORCE IN RELATION TO LOCATION OF workmen’s compensation
INJURY - To escape certain obligations or
 Coup punishment
 Contre coup - To create a new identity or destroy
 Coup-contre-coup existing one
 Locus minoris resistencia - To gain attention or sympathy
 Extensive injuries - Psychotic behavior

MEDICAL CLASSIFICATION OF WOUNDS *Psychotic behaviors of self-mutilation:

1. CLOSED WOUND- no breach in the
continuity of the skin or mucous Head banging Thermophilia Castration
membrane or bumping or
amputation
 Petechiae, contusion, hematoma Onychophagia Pricking of acne Bruxism
 Sprain, dislocation, fracture, strain erruptions
 Internal hemorrhage
Self- Trichotillomania Subcutaneous
disfigurement injection of air
2. OPEN WOUND- with break in the
continuity of the skin or mucous
membrane
LEGAL CLASSIFICATION OF PHYSICAL INJURIES
 Abrasions scratch, graze,
impression mark, friction mark A. ART. 262: MUTILATION
 Incised, hacked, stab, lacerated,
punctured Kinds:
1. Intentionally depriving a person totally
SPECIAL TYPES OF WOUNDS or partially of some of the essential
1. PATTERNED WOUNDS organs for reproduction
-the wound assumes the shape of the 2. Intentionally depriving a person of any
offending instrument part or parts of the human body other
than the organs for reproduction
*examples: belt buckles, tire marks, radiator
grill

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B. ART. 263: SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURIES
-By WOUNDING, BEATING or ASSAULTING
another, if in consequence, the injured:
1. Shall become insane, imbecile,
impotent or blind;
2. Shall have lost the use of speech, or the
power to hear or to smell, or shall have
lost an eye, a hand, a foot, an arm or a
leg or shall have lost the use of any such
member, or shall have become
incapacitated for work in which he was
theretofore habitually engaged;
3. Shall have become deformed, or shall
have lost any other part of his body,
or shall have lost the use thereof, or
shall have been ill or incapacitated
for the performance of the work in
which he was habitually engaged for a
period of more than ninety (90) days;
4. Shall have caused the illness or
incapacity for labor of the injured
person for more than thirty (30) days.
C. ART. 264: ADMINISTERING INJURIOUS
SUBSTANCES OR BEVERAGES
-Any person who without intent to kill, shall
inflict upon another:
1. any serious physical injury
2. by knowingly administering any
injurious substance or beverage
3. by taking advantage of the victim’s
weakness of mind or credulity
D. ART. 265: LESS SERIOUS PHYSICAL
INJURIES
-Shall incapacitate the offended party for
labor ten (10) days or more or shall require
medical attendance for the same
period
-Qualified if the injuries shall have been
inflicted with manifest intent to insult or
offend the injured person, or under
circumstances adding ignominy to the
offense; or the victim is the offender’s
parents, ascendants, guardians, curators or
teachers, or a person of rank or in authority
E. ART. 266: SLIGHT PHYSICAL INJURIES
AND MALTREATMENT
-By inflicting physical injuries which shall
incapacitate the offended party for labor
from one to nine days, or shall require
medical attendance for the same period;
-By inflicting injuries which do not prevent
the offended party from work nor require
medical attendance;
-By ill-treating another by deed without
causing injury
MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF DEATH
HISTORY
-Black’s Dictionary
Thomas vs. Anderson
Smith vs. Smith
-London: Christian Barnard; world’s first
successful heart transplant
-Brain death
-Philadelphia Protocol; Ottawa Gen. Hospital;
French Council Of Ministers
*Smith vs. Smith
Arguendo: Since Mrs. Smith was in a state of
irreversible coma from day one, she might as
well be declared as having died simultaneously
with Mr.Smith
Held: a person, though unconscious, if
breathing, is still alive!
DEFINITION
-the ceasing to exist
-the ceasing to exist of such animal and
vegetative functions of a human being
MEDICAL DEATH
 continuing process
 the ceasing to exist of such animal and
vegetative functions
 concerns of post-mortem care
LEGAL DEATH
 precise event
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  civil personality is extinguished by
death (Art. 42, NCC)
 concerns of Succession
THE PHILADELPHIA PROTOCOL
-quo vadis after brain death?
BRAIN DEATH: OTTAWA PROTOCOL
-IRREVERSIBLE COMA
 Pupils dilated and non-reactive to light
 Absence of deep reflexes
 Absence of circulation
 Absence of respiration
 Flat electro-encephalogram
-Who determines brain death?
“TWO-PHYSICIAN RULE”
2 physicians plus one neurologist or
neurosurgeon (for transplants)
CAUSE OF DEATH
-the injury, disease or combination of both,
responsible for initiating the trend or
disturbance, brief or prolonged, which produce
the fatal termination
-IMMEDIATE: there is no opportunity for
sequelae or complications to develop
-PROXIMATE: injury or disease was survived for
a prolonged interval which permitted the
development of serious sequelae
PENAL CLASSIFICATION OF DEATHS
-degree of certainty as to the cause of death:
 When the structural abnormalities
established beyond doubt the cause of
death
 When there is a degree of probability
amounting to almost certainty as to the
cause of death
 When cause of death is established
primarily by historical facts which are
confirmed by anatomic or chemical
findings
 When neither history nor clinical
findings is sufficient to determine the
cause but merely allows us to speculate
 the right to die
-Triad of Consent invoked by the
patient thru a:
 LIVING WILL
 DONOR CARD
 LEGAL DOCUMENT
 legal consequences of death
- The civil personality of a natural
person is extinguished by death
(Art. 42)
- Transmission of properties to his
heirs at the time of death (Art. 774)
- One of the causes of dissolution of
a partnership agreement (Art.
1830)
- Death of either the principal or
agent extinguishes the agency (Art.
1919)
- The criminal liability of a person is
totally extinguished when his death
occurs before final judgment (RPC
ART. 89)
- The civil case for claims which do
not survive is dismissed upon death
of the defendant (Rules of Court)
 organ harvest and transplant
 wither thou goest my mortal remains?
 Accidental
 Negligental
 Suicidal (Art 253, RPC)
 Parricidal
 Murder
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  Homicidal Note: Did the victim die of a natural cause
 Infanticidal independent of the violence inflicted?
 Tumultuous affray The accused will not be held responsible for the
 Exceptional circumstances death but merely for the physical injuries he
inflicted.
CLASSIFICATION OF DEATH
 Violent THE ORGAN DONATION ACT OF 1991
 Natural
THE “LIVING WILL”
DEATHS OF MEDICO-LEGAL CONCERN - may be executed by any person 18 yrs
 Violent or over with a sound mind. If under 18,
 Accidental must be with parental consent or by the
 Suspicious next-of-kin in the order of hierarchy
 Undetermined called the “LEGAL SURROGATE”
 Suicidal - binding as a mandatory directive
 Unattended written in a PUBLIC INSTRUMENT,
unless there is actual notice of
VIOLENT DEATHS contrary intention
- those due to injuries inflicted in the - RECIPIENTS: any specified individual,
body by some forms of outside force hospital or organ bank
- the physical injury must be the
IMMEDIATE or PROXIMATE cause of Let not ambition mock their useful toil
death Their homely joys and destiny obscure
Nor grandeur scorn with a disdainful smile
- ELEMENTS: The short and simple annals of the poor
1. That the victim at the time of infliction The boast of heraldy the pomp of power
was healthy. And all that beauty, all that wealth e’er gave
2. That death may be expected from the Await alike the inevitable hour,
The paths of glory lead but to the grave!
physical injuries. -Thomas Gray
3. That death ensued within a reasonable
time.

ON COMBINED VIOLENCE AND NATURAL

CAUSES
- Art 4, No. 2, RPC: …which would be an
offense against persons and property
were it not for the inherent
impossibility of its accomplishment
- Art. 59, RPC: The court having in mind
the social danger and degree of
criminality shown by the offender…
- Art. 4, No. 1, RPC:… although the
wrongful act done be different from
which he intended
- EUTHANASIA
- Art. 253, RPC: “Giving Assistance to
Suicide”
CHANGES AFTER DEATH
CHANGES IN THE MUSCLES
1. STAGE OF PRIMARY FLACIDITY
- immediately after death
- muscles are relaxed
- urine and feces are expelled due to
relaxation of the sphincters
- lasts for about 3-6 hrs
2. RIGOR MORTIS
- also known as post-mortem rigidity,
cadaveric rigidity, death stiffening,
death struggle

6|FERIL
 - onset at 3-6 hrs after death, completed - LIVOR MORTIS; Post-mortem
at 12 hrs and lasts for 24-48 hrs Suggilation; Post-mortem Hypostasis;
- begins at the muscles of the neck and LIVIDITY
jaw, spreads to the chest, arms and legs - Accumulation in the most dependent
- all muscles are involved part of the body due to coalescence of
- results from gelling of the muscle capillaries resulting in a dull red or
proteins after glycolysis and atp purplish color of the skin
metabolism
- increase in lactic acid and phosphoric LIVOR MORTIS
contents of the muscles - Onset: 3-6 hrs
- duration is relative to onset - Useful in determining if body has been
moved after death
3. CADAVERIC SPASM - May also be a good determinant of time
- Appears immediately after death of death
involving only a certain group of - TYPES:
muscles.  HYPOSTATIC (movable)
- Results from extreme nervous tension  DIFFUSION (permanent)
prior to death such as salvage or
suicide. ANTE-MORTEM CLOT POST-MORTEM CLOT
- Explains why some suicide victims are  Firm  Soft
found grasping the knife or gun used in inconsistency  Surface smooth
committing suicide  Blood vessel and healthy
surface raw after  Can be stripped
removal of clot off in layers
RIGOR MORTIS vs. CADAVERIC SPASM  Homogenous and  Clot with distinct
ONSET at 3-6 hrs. AD immediately cannot be layers
AD stripped into
layers
 Clot with uniform
INVOLVEMENT all muscles certain color
group of
muscles

OCCURENCE Natural may or may

4. STAGE OF SECONDARY FLACCIDITY
phenomenon not appear
at the time - SECONDARY RELAXATION
of death - STAGE OF PUTREFACTION
SIGNIFICANCE to establish to establish - begins after the “waning” of rigor
time of death nature of mortis
death - due to dissolution of the coagulated
proteins

PUTREFACTION
CHANGES IN THE BLOOD - Breakdown of complex proteins into
- coagulation simpler components
 accelerated in infectious fevers - Greenish discoloration on the right iliac
 delayed in asphyxia and opium, cyanide fossa followed by rapid spread
or carbon monoxide poisoning - Generalized swelling

7|FERIL
EFFECTS OF PRESSURE OF GASES
OF PUTREFACTION
 Displacement of blood
 Fluid coming out of nostrils and
mouth
 Bloating
 Floating
 Extrusion of the fetus in a gravid uterus
MUMMIFICATION
- body becomes dry, dark brown and
- brittle due to long exposure to warm
and dry environment
ADIPOCERE FORMATION
- fatty tissues are replaced with white
greasy products due to hydrolysis of
fats forming fatty acids and soap
SKELETONIZATION
- the soft tissues begin to liquefy and are
consumed by bacteria and scavengers
leaving behind only the bony structures
TIYANAKAZATION
SCHOURUP’S FORMULA:
36 – T + antilog, L.A. + NPN – 15 + A.A. – 1
180 16.7 7.35
______________________________
4
T = temperature
1 = axillary temperature
NPN = non-protein nitrogen
L.A. = lactic acid
A.A. = amino acis
ALGOR MORTIS
- “Cooling of the Body”
- begins after metabolism has ceased and
no more heat is produced
- body loses heat by evaporation or
conduction resulting in progressive fall
of temperature
- rapid on the first 2 hrs then slows down
(NORMAL TEMP.) 98.4 – (RECTAL TEMP.)
1.5
= approximate number of hours after death

KINDS OF DEATH CHRONOLOGY OF PUTREFACTIVE CHANGES

 somatic death
 molecular death 12 hrs.
 apparent death or state of suspended  rigor mortis complete
animation  livor mortis complete
 greenish discoloration over cecum
SIGNS OF DEATH
1. CESSATION OF HEART ACTIVITY 24 hrs.
 Palpation  rigor mortis waned
 Auscultation  greenish discoloration over whole
 Fluoroscopy abdomen spreading to the chest
 Electrocardiogram  abdomen distended with gases
 Magnus’ Test
 Icard’s Test 48 hrs.
 Diaphanous Test  ova of flies seen
 trunk bloated
2. CESSATION OF RESPIRATION  face discolored and swollen
 Mirror Test  blisters present
 Feather Test or Cotton Test  moving maggots seen
 Winslow’s Test
 Water Test

8|FERIL
72 hrs. Note: Executor’s Right of Custody is superior to
 whole body grossly swollen and the Right of the Spouse and will likewise prevail
disfigured over the Administrative Code
 hair and nails loose  Cases:
 tissues soft and discolored “Resurrection Men”
Philips vs. Montreal Hosp.
One week Hunter vs. Hunter
 soft viscera putrefied
PRESERVATION and DISPOSAL
Two weeks  Embalming
 resistant viscera distinguishable  Cremation
 soft tissues largely gone  Burial or
 Inhumation
One month  Open sea disposal
 beginning skeletonization  Scientific purpose

2 to 3 months EMBALMING
 complete skeletonization - 6-8 qtz of Formalin and perchloride of
Mercury or Arsenic
- Alcohol
DISPOSAL OF DEAD BODY - Glycerine
- Vaseline paint or Plaster of Paris
Sec. 1103, Revised Administrative Code - Common carotid and femoral arteries
PERSONS CHARGED WITH DUTY OF BURIAL
 MARRIED- spouse BURIAL OR INHUMATION
 UNMARRIED- nearest kin - body must be buried within 48 hrs.
 NO KINDRED WITH SUFFICIENT MEANS after death (sec. 1092, RAC)
TO DEFRAY EXPENSES- municipal - communicable disease (12 hrs)
authorities - unembalmed
- lapse of such period will require a new
RIGHT OF CUSTODY permit for interment, burial or
EXCEPTIONS: cremation
- when an inquest is required by law - exceptions:
- death due to or accompanied by a  when it is still a subject matter of
dangerous communicable disease investigation
- such body shall, until buried, remain in  when specifically authorized by the
the custody of the: local health
 Investigating agency  impliedly when the body is
 Local Board of Health embalmed
 Local Health Officer
 Municipal Council DEATH CERTIFICATE
Sec. 1087, RAC— who shall issue:
CONCEPT OF POSSESSION - attending physician
 owner - local health officer
 holder - any physician
- -mayor
- -secretary
- -councilor

9|FERIL
ON VIOLENT DEATHS
Sec 1089 RAC— to determine the
circumstances and nature of death
 Justice of the Peace
 Auxiliary Justice
 Municipal Mayor
But permission for burial may only be granted
by:
 Provincial Fiscal
 Municipal Mayor
ON DANGEROUS COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Sec. 1094 RAC
 Wake site to burial ground
 Body and house should be thoroughly
disinfected
 Burial within 12 hours
 Sexton should have permit from the
municipal secretary
 Sealed tomb and casket
 Graves shall be dug with a depth of 1½
meters and filled
OTHER BURIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Shipments and remains abroad shall be
governed by the R & R of the BUREAU
OF QUARANTINE
- Burial of remains on municipal grounds
shall not be prohibited on account of
race, nationality or religion
- Except when under investigation or
permitted by the local health, NO
unembalmed remains shall remain
unburied longer than 48 hrs.
DESECRATION
…defaces, breaks or destroys any
 tomb
 ornament
 gravestone
 memento
 memorial
 plant
or remove any fence, paste or wall
FUNERALS
Art. 305, Civil Code
- Duty and right to make arrangements
for the funeral shall be in accordance
with the order established in support
under Art. 294
Art. 294
 Spouse
 Descendant
 Ascendant
 Brothers and Sisters
Art. 306
- Every funeral shall be in keeping with
the social position of the deceased
Art. 307
- shall be in accordance with the wishes
of the deceased or his religious belief or
affiliation
Art. 309
- material or moral damages for those
who disrespect the dead or interferes
with the funeral
CRIMINAL ACTS IN VIOLATION OF FUNERALS
Art. 132, RPC – Interruption of religious
worship
 Public officer or employee
 Qualified if aggravated by violence or
threat
Art. 133, RPC – Offending the religious feeling
- Notoriously offensive acts in places
devoted to religious worship or during
celebration of a religious ceremony
Art. 85, RPC
- Unless claimed by his family, the corpse
of the culprit, after a legal proceeding
subsequent to execution, shall be
turned over for scientific research…
Limitations to the Funeral Rites:
 Will of the deceased
 Those sentenced to death shall not be
buried with pomp
10 | F E R I L
DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD BODY IN THE SEA
- May be willed by the deceased but NOT
by the diseased
- Sec. 1093, RAC: where death is not due
to a dangerous communicable disease,
a special permit may be issued for the
conveyance of the dead body to sea for
burial in a manner prescribed by the
Municipal Board of Health and
governed by Marine Laws
CREMATION
- Pulverization of the body into ashes by
the application of extreme heat
- 4 hrs.
- Strictly needs:
 Permit Requirement
 Documentation of the
Identification of the deceased
- NOT GRANTED:
 written will
 exact identity unknown
 dubious cause of death
USE OF THE BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSE
-Sec. 97, Code of Sanitation: Unclaimed remains
may be used by medical schools and scientific
institutions for studies and research…
-Sec. 1107, Revised Administrative Code:
Body of deceased which is to be buried at public
expense and which is unclaimed for 24 hrs after
death shall be subject to the disposition of the
DOH and may be devoted to the purposes of
medical science and to the advancement and
promotion of medical knowledge and
information…
ART. 85. REVISED PENAL CODE
CORPSE OF THE PERSON EXECUTED AND ITS
BURIAL
- Unless claimed by the family, the
corpse of the culprit shall, upon
completion of the legal proceedings
subsequent to the execution, be turned
over to the institute of learning or
scientific research first applying for it …
SEC. 98, CODE OF SANITATION
PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING OF
CADAVERS CONTAINING RADIOACTIVE
ISOTOPES
 Cadavers containing only traces of
radioactive isotopes
 Radiation Health Officer must be
notified
 Pathologist and embalmer should be
warned
 Cadavers containing large amounts shall
be labeled properly identifying the type
and amount of isotopes plus the date of
its administration
 Normal burial procedures
 Cremation without autopsy shall have
no handling problems
STAB WOUNDS
FEATURES OF A STAB WOUND
 Character of the knife
 Relative position of the assailant to the
victim
 Width of the knife
 Length of the knife
MAXIMS
 The length of the wound is the width of
the knife
 The length of the wound may be longer
than the width of the knife but it could
never be shorter
 In the presence of a HILT MARK, the
depth of the wound is the length of the
knife
 In the absence of a hilt mark: “ I cannot
tell you how long is the knife but I can
tell you how not short is the knife!”
DEFENSE WOUNDS
HACKING
11 | F E R I L
 without the operation, death is the
CUT-THROAT normal and direct consequence of the
injuries sustained.
SUICIDAL HOMICIDAL  It must be shown that the physician
 Oblique  Horizontal treating the victim is competent and
 Not so deep  Deep that he exercised care and diligence.
 Test or  Defense  That the wound inflicted must be the
Hesitation cuts wounds may direct and proximate cause of the
present be present death.
 Facing a  Lying on the
mirror ground
 Cadaveric  Weapon is
EFFECT OF NEGLIGENCE OF THE INJURED
spasm with usually absent PERSON
hand grasping or hidden  If death occurred from complications
the weapon elsewhere arising from a simple injury owing to
 Blood in front  Blood at the the negligence of the injured person in
of the body, back of the its proper care and treatment, the
hands neck, hands offender is still held responsible.
smeared with are clean  A person is not bound to seek medical
blood  none attention for the injuries sustained.
 SUICIDE NOTE  History of
 The fact that the victim would have
 History of recent
mental altercation lived had he received treatment is
depression, usually immaterial!
domestic or following a
financial drinking spree
problem…  No prior ASPHYXIA
 Prior history of attempts on
self- his own life - The general term applied to all forms of
destruction  Alcohol violent death which results from the
 Stomach - interference with the process of
empty
respiration.
- The condition in which the supply of
oxygen to the blood or to the tissues
WHICH OF THE WOUND WAS INFLICTED FIRST?
has been reduced below normal level.
 Relative position of the assailant to the
TYPES OF ASPHYXIAL DEATH
victim when the first injury was inflicted
 Anoxic Death: failure of the arterial
 Testimony of the witness
blood to become normally saturated
 Trajectory or course of the wound
with oxygen
inside the body
 Anemic-Anoxic Death: due to decreased
 Organs involved and extent of injuries
capacity of the heart to carry oxygen
sustained by the victim
 Stagnant Anoxic Death: brought about
 Presence of defense wounds
by the failure of circulation
 Histotoxic Anoxic Death: failure of the
EFFECT OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL
cellular oxidative process
INTERVENTION
 Offender may still be held liable for the
CLASSIFICATIONS OF ASPHYXIA
death of the victim if it can be proven
 Hanging
that death is inevitable and that even
 Strangling

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  Drowning  Manual Strangulation (butterfly
 Suffocation mark) or Throttling
 Traumatic or crush asphyxia  Palmar Strangulation
 Inhalation of irresponsible gases  Garroting
 Mugging or Strangle-hold
1. HANGING  Stick Compression

CLASSIFICATIONS OF HANGING HANGING STRANGULATION

 As to the location of the ligature and  Manual  Usually
knot: Strangulation below the
- typical or Throttling Adam’s apple
- atypical  Palmar  Ligature
 As to the amount of constricting force: Strangulation mark is
- complete  Garroting usually
- partial  Mugging or horizontal,
 As to symmetry: Strangle-hold knot is on
- symmetrical  Stick the same
- assymetrical Compression horizontal
plane
POST-MORTEM FINDINGS IN HANGING:  Ligature
 Neck elongated and stretched with the groove is
head inclined on the side opposite the uniform in
knot depth in its
 Lividity or pallor of the face with whole course
swollen and protruded tongue
 Eyes closed or partly opened with pupils
dilated on one side and small on the 3. ASPHYXIA BY SUFFOCATION
other - MECHANISM: Closure of air opening or
 Blue lips with frothy saliva drooling obstruction of the air passageway
 State of erection or semi-erection of the - Types:
penis with some seminal fluid on the  Smothering
meatus  Choking
 Lividity or ecchymosis on the legs  Burking

MECHANISM OF DEATH IN HANGING: TYPES OF SMOTHERING

 Tracheal obstruction  Overlaying
 Carotid compression  Gagging
 Vagal stimulation  Plastic bag suffocation
 Atlanto-axial dislocation  Accidental smothering of epileptic

2. STRANGULATION CHOKING
- by Ligature - impaction of foreign body in the
- RARELY suicidal respiratory passage such as:
- usually homicidal and accompanied by  Vomitus
evidence of struggle or marks of  Regurgitation from the stomach
violence  Bolus of food (café’ coronary)
- other forms of strangulation:  False teeth
 Blood in oral operations

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  Tuberculosis
BURKING
- BURKE and HARE
- Murderer sits or kneels on the chest
with one hand covering the mouth and
nostrils of the victim.
4. ASPHYXIA BY DROWNING
“SUBMERSION”
- Nostrils and mouth are submerged in
water for some time to prevent the free
entrance of air into the air passage and
the lungs
- It is not necessary for the whole body to
be submerged
- Children drown in “shallow” pools or
ponds
- Drunks may drown in shallow creeks
Phases of Drowning:
1. “Respiracion de Surprise”
2. 2Phase of resistance (first apnea)
3. Dyspneic phase
4. Another apnea
5. Terminal respiration
Causes of Death in Drowning:
 TYPICAL: cause of death is asphyxia
 ATYPICAL
- cardiac inhibition due to vagal
stimulation
- laryngeal spasm
submersion when unconscious
Time factor in drowning:
 1 min. - considered fatal
 4 min. -possibility of
revival
 2–3 min. - average time for death
 N.B. - the length of time for survival in
drowning is proportional to the amount
of froth in the respiratory tract
Post-mortem findings:
 Wet clothes, pale face with foreign
bodies clinging on skin surface
 Cutis anserina or goose skin or
goose flesh
 Firmly clenched hands with objects,
weeds or stones
 Mouth closed or half-open with tongue
protruding
 Physical injuries due to struggle
 Penis and scrotum are retracted
 Washerwoman’s hands and feet
 Livid eyes, conjuctival injection and
dilated pupils
Internal findings in Drowning:
 Emphysema aquosum
 Edema aquosum
 Champignon d’ ocume
 Tracheo-bronchial congestion
 Fluid with bloody froth
 Right side of the heart is usually
distended
Conclusive findings in drowning:
 Foreign bodies in hands; cadaveric
spasm
 Emphysema Aquosum
 Edema Aquosum
 Stomach contents: water or fluid,
corresponding to the medium where
body was submerged
 Froth, foam or foreign body in the air
passage consistent with the medium
 Water in the middle ear
Floating
 Naked body floats after 24 hrs.
 Those with clothes or apparels take
more time
 “TETE DE NEGRI”
5. COMPRESSION ASPHYXIA or
TRAUMATIC OR CRUSH ASPHYXIA
Causes:
 landslide and masonry accidents
 highway accidents
 rubble of collapsed buildings
 mine collapse and stampede
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INHALATION OF IRRESPIRABLE GASES
1. CARBON MONOXIDE
- CARBONIC OXIDE
- “SILENT KILLER”
- From incomplete combustion of carbon
fuel as in burning of wood, oil, coal,
kerosene, gasoline and charcoal
- Limits oxygen carrying capacity of the
blood due to its 250 X more affinity to
hemoglobin
- Hydrocyanic Acid
- Hydrogen Sulfide
- Carbon Monoxide
 PARALYSANTS or Nerve Gas
- Anti-cholinesterase
From the lost sea He rises,
Creating armies in every shore,
Turning men against their brothers,
Till Man exists no more.
- NOSTRADAMUS

Qualitative test for CO in the blood:

 KUNKEL’S test
 POTASSIUM FERROCYANIDE
 SPECTROSCOPY
 GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
 INFRA-RED ANALYSIS

2. CARBON DIOXIDE
- product of respiration, complete
combustion and fermentation or
decomposition of organic matters
- found also in drainage pipes, deep
wells, sewage tanks

3. HYDROGEN SULFIDE

4. HYDROGEN CYANIDE

5. THE WAR GASES

 LACRIMATOR or Tear Gas
- Chloracetophenone
- Bromobenzyl Cyanide
- Ethyl Iodoacetate
 VESICANT or Blistering Gas
- Mustard Gas
- Lewisite
- STERNUTATOR or Vomiting Gas
- Diphenyl Chlorarsine
- Diphenyl Cyanarsine
- Dipenylamine Chlorarsine
- ASPHYXIANT or Choking Gas
- Chlorine
- Phosgene
- Chloropicrine
- Diphosgene
- BLOOD POISONS

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