CONCEPT OF FORENSIC MEDICINE

Forensic Medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the application of medical knowledge to the
purpose of law and in the administration of justice. Originally the terms forensic medicine, legal
medicine and medical jurisprudence are synonymous, and in common practice are used interchangeably.
Ordinary Physician vs. Medical Jurists
MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF DEATH
The medico-legal aspects of death are responsible for conducting death investigations and
certifying the cause and manner of unnatural and unexplained deaths such as Homicides, suicides,
unintentional injuries, drug-related deaths, and other deaths that are sudden or unexpected.
DEATH
 Death is the termination of life. It is the complete cessation of all the vital functions without
possibility of resuscitation.
 The ascertainment of death is a clinical and not a legal problem.
Criteria used in the determination of death
1. Brain Death-.
2. Cardio- Respiratory Death-
3. Others
Kinds of Death
1. Somatic Death or Clinical Death- This is the state of the body in which there is complete,
persistent and continuous cessation of the vital functions of the brain, heart and lungs that
maintain life and health.

Clinical Types of Death

a. Sociological death- withdrawal and separation from the patient by others producing a
sense of isolation and abandonments.
b. Psychic death- patient regresses, gives up or surrenders accepting death prematurely.
c. Biologic death characterized by the absence of cognitive functions or awareness.
d. Physiologic death- all vital organs cease to function.
2. Molecular or Cellular Death- After cessation of the vital functions of the body there is still
animal life along individual cells.
3. Apparent Death or State of Suspended Animation- This condition is not really death but
merely a transient loss of consciousness or temporary cessation of the vital functions of the body
on account of disease, external stimulus or other forms of influence.
COMMON SIGNS OF DEATH
1. Cessation of Heart Action and Circulation
Methods of detecting stoppage of heart action and circulation
a. Heart action
b. Examination of the Peripheral circulation
 Magnus Test
 Palpation of the radial pulse, carotid pulse and femoral pulse
 Icard’s Test
 Reddish color of the web of the fingers when the hand is placed against a sharp light.
2. Cessation of Respiration
3. Cooling of the Body (Algor Mortis)
4. Insensibility and Loss of Power to Move
5. Changes in the Skin-
 Here are some of the changes in the skin, i.e., discoloration, loss of elasticity of the skin,
opacity of the skin, and effect of the application of heat.
6. Changes in and About the Eye-
7. Action of Heat on the Skin