University of Cebu

College of Criminal Justice

Legal Medicine

Dr. Golda Mier Auxtero Artiaga

THERMAL INJURIES

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How is temperature in the body regulated?

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 Thermoregulation
● conserving body temperature

Hypothalamus
● part of the brain
● coordinate information regarding
body temperature changes
● effect:
○ sweating
○ shivering
○ muscles in the follicles raise
the hairs

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5
 AboutCONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL this template

Thermal injuries
● caused by appreciable deviation from normal temperature
○ Cold
○ Heat
● capable of producing cellular or thermal changes in the body
● normal body temperature: 37C

Thermal death
● primarily caused by thermal injuries

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7
 Hypothermia

● state of the body when temperature is less than 35C

● signs and symptoms
○ icy cold skin
○ slow pulse
○ low blood pressure
○ depressed reflexes

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM COLD

LOCAL EFFECTS

Frostbite
Immersion foot
Trench foot

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM COLD

● tissue death from vascular spasm

or thrombosis
● occurs on exposed parts such as
tip of nose, fingers

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM COLD

Trench feet/ Immersion Foot

● injury to foot
● occurring after sustained exposure to
cold under moist condition/ cold water
● common in soldiers during winter
warfare

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM COLD

SYSTEMIC EFFECTS
● Reduced blood flow to the brain
○ slowing down of respiration, heart action, metabolic processes

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Autopsy findings of a person suspected to die of hypothermia
● Post mortem lividity is bright red in color due to non dissociation of oxyhemoglobin
● Body is extremely cold
● Presence of irregular red patches in the skin of the trunk and limbs
● Body is completely stiff
● Rigor mortis develops after
● Gangrene of fingers and toes seen due to extreme vasoconstriction
● Putrefaction is delayed
● Congestion of internal organs with packing of blood cells in small vessels
● Small submucosal gastric and duodenal haemorrhages
● Degenerative foci in myocardium
● Liver, spleen and kidneys shows droplets of fat

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14
 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM HEAT

LOCAL EFFECTS

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM HEAT

SCALD
● produced by liquids at or near boiling
point or from steam
● severity of injury depends primarily on
temperatüre and duration of exposure

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM HEAT

DRY BURN
● caused by dry heat such as flame
● involves dry clothes & hair
● soot in air passage

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 About this
Classification template
of Burn by Degree

Dupuytren Classification

First degree simple redness of the skin

superficial inflammation and slight swelling

Second degree blister formation with acute inflammation

superficial layers of the epithelium destroyed

Third degree skin partially destroyed

very painful

Fourth degree skin completely destroyed

not painful

Fifth degree deep fascia and muscles involved

Sixth degree charring of the limb involving subjacent tissues, organs and bone
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 Dry Burns Scald

Cause Dry heat (flame, heated solid, Moist heat (boiling water)
radiant heat)

Redness Present Present

Singeing of hair (+) (-)

Blister Rare Extensive

Boundary Not so clear Distinct

Severity May be severe Limited on account of

dissipation of heat

Clothing Involved Usually not involved

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM HEAT

SYSTEMIC EFFECTS

Trauma and death from exposure to high environmental temperature

Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM HEAT

Heat Cramps
○ a.k.a. Miner’s cramps, Fireman’s cramp, Stoker’s cramp
○ painful spasm of the voluntary muscle which follows strenuous exercise
in hot humid atmosphere
○ due to dehydration and excessive loss of chlorides by sweating
○ mortality rate is negligible

Heat Exhaustion
○ condition of collapse without elevation of body temperature
○ follows after a prolonged exposure to excessive heat

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 About
DEATH this template
OR INJURY FROM HEAT

Heat Stroke
○ a.k.a. Sunstroke, Heat Hyperpyrexia, Thermic Fever
○ cause by overheating of the body
○ as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high
temperatures
○ impaired functioning of heat regulating mechanism causes failure
of cutaneous circulation and sweating
○ rupture of skin, muscles, or destruction of limbs or skull

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 About this
DEATH FROMtemplate
HEAT

Neurogenic Shock
Hypovolemic Shock
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Secondary infection
Asphyxia/ Loss of oxygen

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 About this
DEATH FROMtemplate
HEAT

Autopsy findings in person who died due to heat

1. Increased temperature or may rise further
2. Rigor mortis sets in early and disappears early
3. Putrefaction is rapid
4. Internally, viscera shows congestion, edema and petechial hemorrhage
5. Cerebrum shows flattening of gyri due to brain edema
6. Lungs shows hemorrhagic fluid in air passages

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 Aboutvs
Antemortem this template Burns
Postmortem

Antemortem Postmortem

Line of redness Present Absent

Blister Bae is red and inflamed Base is dry, hard, yellow

Soot in respiratory tract May be present Absent

Carboxyhemoglobin Present Absent

Healing and Repair Present Absent

Vital reaction Present Absent

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CHEMICAL INJURIES

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 About this template
Chemical Burns

Blistering Absent

Stain May be present on the skin and clothing

Lesion Distinct border

Substance around Can be found

lesions

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 About this template
Chemical Burns

Sulfuric Acid a.k.a. Oil of Vitriol

Has the most intense action
Formation of blackish brown sloughs

Nitric Acid Causes yellow or yellowish-brown sloughs

Hydrochloric Acid Not so destructive

Causes intense irritation and localized ulceration of
a red or reddish-gray color

Caustic Soda and Potash Bleached appearance

The skin subsequently becomes brown and
parchment like

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PHYSICAL INJURIES OR DEATH
BY LIGHTNING

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What happens when you get
struck by lightning?

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 About this
INJURIES template
BY LIGHTNING

Lightning
is an electrical discharge from cloud to earth through an object
passage from a thunder cloud to the earth of a direct electric current
about 20,000 amperes and 100-1000 million or higher volts
a flash lasts for 1/1000th of a second
energy is liberated → converted into heat
capable of producing injury to the human body

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 About this
INJURIES template
BY LIGHTNING

Elements of Lightning that Produce Injury:

1. Direct effect from the electrical charge:
a. produces electrocution
b. human body, especially its nerves, is a good conductor of electric current
2. Surface "flash" burns from the discharge:
a. cause burning of the skin of the victim
b. Arborescent marks - passage of current causes rupture of small blood vessels
3. Mechanical effect:
a. laceration of the body surface
b. burns usually occur beneath the metallic objects like ring
c. severe tearing of the clothings
d. displacement of parts of the body
4. Compression effect:
a. Sledge hammer blow it is compression and decompression effect of the forces
called electrostatic forces. A person is thrown away.
b. produces concussion, shock, or unconsciousness to the victim

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 CAUSESAbout this template
OF DEATH BY LIGHTNING

Death is due:
● electro-thermal injuries

● involvement of CNS with paralysis of respiratory and cardiac centers

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 CAUSESAbout this template
OF DEATH BY LIGHTNING

Post-Mortem Findings

External Internal

● Marked tearing of wearing ● Fracture of bones

apparel ● Hemorrhage
● Burns of diff degrees on skin ● Petechial hemorrhage of the
surface lungs, pericardium and brain
● Wounds ● Rupture of BVs and the internal
● Magnetization of metals organs
● Fusion of metals and glasses
● Singeing of hair

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 About this
INJURIES template
BY LIGHTNING

What do you do when you are in an

open field when a thunder strikes?

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 About this
INJURIES template
BY LIGHTNING

Lightning conducts along the surface rather than through the building so the
people inside the building remains safe

Unfortunately, fatalities occur in open!

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 About this
SAFETY template
PRECAUTION

1. Stay indoor
2. Take shelter under buildings
3. Avoid standing in open doors or windows or near fire places with open
chimneys
4. Electrical equipment should be avoided or turned off
5. Metal articles should be avoided
6. If outside, should stand under short trees as it will affect the taller trees first
7. Never stand under isolated tree
8. Get inside your car

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38
PHYSICAL INJURIES OR DEATH
BY ELECTRICITY

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 About this template
ELECTROCUTION

Supply of voltage is of three types

1. Domestic
○ either 110-140 0r 220-240 volts
2. Industrial
○ 440-1,200 or 11,000-4 million volts
3. Lightning
○ millions of volts

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 About this template
ELECTROCUTION

Electric Burns
1. Contact Burns
● close contact with electrically live object with domestic voltage
● damage varies from small and superfİcial injury to charing
2. Spark Burns
● contact is not good
● only a spark is produced
3. Flash Burns
● contact with very high voltage lines (more than 1000 volts)
● example: linemen working on grid system or thieves stealing
copper wires

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 About this template
ELECTROCUTION

Death of a person due to passage of electric current through the body

The main cause of death from electricity is shock

● Death in low voltage current is due to ventricular fibrillation

● Death in high voltage current is due to electro-thermal injuries

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 About this template
ELECTROCUTION

Autopsy Findings
● depth is greater than the surface appearance suggest
● dry, hard to touch and do not bleed
● effect of heat is from inside not outside due to conversion of electricity into
heat within the tissues
● lesion appears both at the point of entry and exit.
● lesion varies from no visible mark— pinpoint lesion or small blister to heat
coagulation —to different stages of burning-to complete charring

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Thank you!

44
 University of Cebu
College of Criminal Justice

Legal Medicine

Dr. Golda Mier Auxtero Artiaga

BAROTRAUMA

2
 AboutCONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL this template

Baro-
● meaning pressure

Barotrauma
● damage to body
● due to changes in pressure of air or water

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 Barotrauma

The normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is 760 mmHg

◉ Increases as one goes deeper in a body of water
◉ Decreases as one ascends higher into the atmosphere

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Hyperbarism vs Hypobarism

5
 About this template
HYPERBARISM

HYPERbaric conditions
Conditions in which the external pressure is greater than at sea level

When a person descends below the sea,

the pressure around them greatly increases

This is observed underwater by scuba divers, pearl divers, salvage divers,

treasure hunters, pleasure swimmers.

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 About this template
HYPERBARISM

HYPERbarism
The hyperbaric environment increases the pressure of the gases inside the
body, especially the gases inside the lungs

These high pressures can cause alterations in the normal function of the
body and can be dangerous

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 About this template
HYPERBARISM

HYPERbaric conditions = high atmospheric pressure

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 About this template
HYPERBARISM

HYPERbarism
signs and symptoms
Feeling of euphoria
Nitrogen narcosis
Cerebral anoxia
Muscular cramp
Physical injuries
Effects of barotraumas in pre-existing medical condition
Air emboli

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 About this template
HYPERBARISM

Postmortem Findings
1. If death has been immediate
○ Subcutaneous emphysema, generalized visceral congestion and
the presence of gas bubbles.
○ Extra-vascular bubbles and hemorrhages in adipose tissues, like the
mesentery and omentum
2. If death occurred after a lapse of several days
○ Degeneration and softening of the white matter of the spinal cord
○ Fat necrosis of the liver
○ Osteonecrosis

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Hyperbarism vs Hypobarism

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 About this template
HYPOBARISM

HYPObaric conditions
When a person ascends at a higher altitude, the pressure around them greatly
decreases

Altitudes of 1,500m or more causes alteration in the normal function of the body

This is observed with pilots, elevator workers, etc

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 About this template
HYPOBARISM

HYPObaric conditions = low atmospheric pressure

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ASPHYXIA

14
 About CONSIDERATION
GENERAL this template

Asphyxia
the lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body

Death by Asphyxia
applied to all forms of violent death which results primarily from lack of oxygen

Emphasis to: LACK OF OXYGEN

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 Signs of Asphyxia

Cyanosis – bluish discoloration

Petechial haemorrhage – tardieu's spots
Fluidity of blood – fibrinolysins
Congestion of the face – venous congestion
Engorgement of the chambers of the right side of the heart

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 Barcroft’s/ Gordon’s Classification

1. Anoxic Anoxia
○ failure of the blood to get enough oxygen due to decrease supply
○ ex: breathing in areas with low oxygen
2. Anemic Anoxia
○ failure of the blood to carry oxygen
○ ex: anemia
3. Stagnant Anoxia
○ failure of the blood to circulate (cannot distribute oxygen)
4. Histotoxic Anoxia
○ failure of the cells needed for oxygen consumption to function
○ ex: cyanide poisoning

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 Causes of Asphyxia

Hanging
Strangulation
Suffocation
Submersion or Drowning
Compression Asphyxia
Breathing Irrespirable Gas

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Hanging

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 About this template
HANGING

Asphyxia by Hanging
It is a type of violent death brought about by the
suspension of the body by a ligature
which encircles the neck and the constricting force is the weight of the body.
There is pressure present in front or in the side of the neck

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 About this template
HANGING

Classification Asphyxia by Hanging

1. As to the position of the ligature and knot
○ A : Typical - knot is at the back of the neck
○ B & C : Atypical - knot is located anywhere other than the back of the neck
(on one side of the neck, in front or behind the ear, or on the chin)

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 About this template
HANGING

Classification Asphyxia by Hanging

2. As to the amount of constricting force
○ A : Complete - body is completely suspended
○ B : Partial - body is partially suspended or part of
the body touches the ground (i.e. victim is sitting,
kneeling, reclining)

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 About this template
HANGING

Classification Asphyxia by Hanging

2. As to symmetry
○ A & B : Symmetrical - the knot is at the midline of the body
○ C : Asymmetrical - not in the midline but on one side

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Strangulation

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 About this template
STRANGULATION

Asphyxia by Strangulation
A type of violent asphyxia where there is constriction around the neck BUT the
constrictor force being other than the weight of the body

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 About this template
STRANGULATION

Classification of Asphyxia by Strangulation

1. Ligature Strangulation
○ use of a ligature to compress the neck
○ the ligature is tightened by a force other
than the weight of the body

2. Manual Strangulation
○ aka Throttling
○ use of human hands
○ the constricting force applied in the neck
is the hand

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Suffocation

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 About this template
SUFFOCATION

Asphyxia by Suffocation
A type of violent asphyxia caused by obstruction of the passage of air into the
lungs
by obstruction of external respiratory openings due to
pressure over the neck structures

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 About this template
SUFFOCATION

Classification of Asphyxia by Suffocation

External Obstruction
Internal Obstruction

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 About this template
SUFFOCATION

Suffocation By External Obstruction

1. Smothering
○ closure of the mouth and nostrils
○ by the use of the hand, soft pillows, plastic bag
○ ex: overlaying, accidental smothering of an epileptic person, plastic bag
suffocation

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 About this template
SUFFOCATION

Suffocation By Internal Obstruction

2. Choking
○ impaction of foreign body in the respiratory passages internally
○ foreign body could be food, toy, coin, etc
3. Gagging
○ from pushing a gag (rolled up cloth or paper balls) into the mouth,
sufficiently deep to block the pharynx.

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Compression

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 About this template
COMPRESSION ASPHYXIA

Compression / Traumatic / Crush Asphyxia

The free exchange of air in the lungs is prevented by the immobility of the chest
and abdomen due to external pressure or crush
example: a person is crushed under a vehicle, in a house collapse, an earthquake,
in a stampede, in a overturned car.

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 About this template
COMPRESSION ASPHYXIA

Asphyxia by Compression
Burking
● combination of smothering & traumatic
asphyxia
● the murderer kneels or sits on the chest, and
with their hands, closes the nostrils and
mouth of the victim

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 About this template
COMPRESSION ASPHYXIA

Asphyxia by Compression
Crucifixion
● death is due to difficulty of chest movement
○ hyper-expansion of the chest muscles and lungs
resulting to difficulty in breathing
○ exhaustion, or have his feet supported by tying or by a
wood block
○ unconsciousness and death
● classified as traumatic asphyxia

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Drowning

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

Asphyxia by Submersion or Drowning

a type of violent death due to submersion of the mouth and nostrils
in a liquid medium preventing the free entrance of air
into the air passage and lungs

TIME REQUIRED FOR DEATH IN DROWNING

1-1/2 mins: Considered fatal
2-5 mins: Average time required for death in drowning

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

What happens in drowning

struggle to respire and save life
water enters the lungs
dilution of the blood
fresh water: swelling then rupture of red blood cells
salt water: shrinkage of red blood cells
cerebral anoxia
death within 4-5minutes.

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

External Appearance
The clothing is wet.
Skin appears goose-skin - cutis anserine
Skin of hands and feet appears shriveled and pale-
washerwoman's hands
Post mortem lividity confined to the part facing the
water
Rigor mortis sets in early

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

Internal Findings
1. Lungs
○ voluminous, bulky and edematous
○ ballooned appearance with rib markings
○ pits on pressure
○ oozing of large quantity of frothy fluid indicating active respiration
○ algae mud sand debris in distal airways
2. Heart
○ may be emptied or filled with blood
○ right side may be distended with blood while left may be emptied
○ if drowning in salty water, blood chloride content is greater in the left side than
right side, but if it is fresh water, the result is opposite

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

Internal Findings
3. Stomach
○ plenty of fluid and other foreign materials
○ absence of water shows death is rapid or submersion is made after death
4. Brain
○ congested and big blood vessels are engorged

5. Blood
○ blood becomes dark red
○ hemodilution - reduction of hemoglobin
○ red cells may be deformed

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

Causes of Death in Drowning

Asphyxia
Ventricular Fibrillation
Myocardial anoxia
Laryngeal spasm
Vagal inhibition
Exhaustion
Head injuries (From striking against objects during a fall into river, well, etc).

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 About thisOR
SUBMERSION template
DROWNING

Drowning Tests
Gettler Test / Chloride Test
Quantitative determination of the chloride content of the blood in the right and
left ventricle of the heart
helps in differentiating salt water from fresh water drowning.
normal value of chloride - 600 mg/100ml in both chambers
seawater drowning - 30 to 40% increase of the chloride level in LEFT ventricle
freshwater drowning chlorides will be 50%less than normal
A difference of 25%in chloride between the two chambers is significant.

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 Breathing
Irrespirable
Gases
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 AboutIRRESPIRABLE
BREATHING this template GASES

Asphyxia by Breathing Irrespirable Gases

1. CARBON MONOXIDE (SILENT KILLER)
○ formed from incomplete combustion of carbon fuel
○ burning of wood, oil, coal, kerosene and charcoal
○ emitted by engine exhaust in cars
○ colorless gas, insoluble in water and alcohol
○ limiting the oxygen carrying capacity
○ accidental and suicidal death by carbon monoxide poisoning
■ primary cause of death for people falling asleep inside the car

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 AboutIRRESPIRABLE
BREATHING this template GASES

Asphyxia by Breathing Irrespirable Gases

2. CARBON DIOXIDE
○ gas blown out of the lungs during respiration.
○ often found in drainage pipes, deep wells, sewage tanks and
decomposing organic matters
○ greater concentration (60%)
■ causes immediate loss of consciousness, with or without
convulsion and death

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 AboutIRRESPIRABLE
BREATHING this template GASES

Asphyxia by Breathing Irrespirable Gases

3. HYDROGEN SULFIDE
○ decomposition process of organic substances containing sulfur.
○ found in sewer, septic tanks, drainage pipes and deep wells
○ dilute solution
■ produces irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and air passages,
followed by dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, cyanosis, dilated pupils, cold extremities and labored
breathing.
○ prolonged exposure may cause convulsion, delirium, coma and death

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 AboutIRRESPIRABLE
BREATHING this template GASES

Asphyxia by Breathing Irrespirable Gases

4. HYDROGEN CYANIDE
○ one of the most toxic and rapid acting gases
○ average span of life after partaking the drug is 2 to 10 minutes
○ only small quantity is needed to end one’s life

5. SULFUR DIOXIDE
○ colorless gas, heavier than air and with pungent odor
○ used as disinfectant, bleaching agent
○ irritation of the respiratory passage causes sneezing, coughing, spasm
of the glottis and suffocation

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 AboutIRRESPIRABLE
BREATHING this template GASES

Asphyxia by Breathing Irrespirable Gases

WAR GASES
1. Lacrimator or Tear Gas
○ exposure can cause irritation with copious flow of tears cause severe
lacrimation, spasm of the eyelids, and temporary blindness
2. Vesicant of Blistering Gas
○ contact with skin may cause bleb or blister formation
3. Lung Irritants
○ cause dyspnea, tightness of chest and coughing
○ varying degree of conjunctival irritation, vomiting, coma and death
4. Sernutator (Nasal Irritants or Vomiting Gases)
○ coryza, nausea, malaise, headache, vomiting, salivation and pain in
chest

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 AboutIRRESPIRABLE
BREATHING this template GASES

Asphyxia by Breathing Irrespirable Gases

WAR GASES
5. Parlysants (Nerve Gas)
○ causes paralysis of muscles

6. Blood Poisons
○ Hydrocyanic Acid
○ Hydrogen Sulfide
○ Carbon Monoxide

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 DEATH OR PHYSICAL INJURIES
DUE TO AUTOMOTIVE CRASH OR
ACCIDENT

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

Injuries and Death on the Driver and Passengers

in automotive crash, there are two collision that take place

First Collision Impact of the moving vehicle with another vehicle or fixed
(vehicle) object

The degree of damage depends on the speed and part of

the vehicle involved

Second Collision Impact of the unrestrained occupants with the interior of

(people) the vehicle

Occupants move in the same direction and at the same

velocity towards the point of impact

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About this
First template
Collision

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About this
Second template
Collision

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

Factors Responsible for Passenger and Driver Injury:

1. Displacement of the occupants within the vehicle with impact against
structures
2. Ejection.
3. Distribution of the passengers in direct impact injuries.

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 Rear seat occupant

Front seat occupant Driver

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

Front Impact Crash

● Driver
a. impact on
■ windshield - fractures on the neck, face, skull
■ dashboard - fracture on the legs
■ steering wheel - severe facial and chest injury
● Front Seat occupants
a. similar injuries with the driver
● Rear Seat occupants
a. strike the back of the front seat or may be propelled over the front seat

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

Front Impact Crash causes injury to:

Face
Scalp
Skull
Neck
Heart
Lungs
Ribs
Liver
Spleen

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

Side Impact Crash

● when a vehicle strikes on the side of another vehicle or when a
vehicle strikes sideways into a fixed object
● common impact in street intersections
● injuries are more severe
● passengers move towards the side of impact
○ the passenger nearest to it will suffer the most

Rear Impact Crash

● when a vehicle collides into the rear of the vehicle directly in
front of it.
● may involve the gas tank
● “whiplash” or acceleration-deceleration injury
● may strike into the persons at the back seat

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

“Whiplash” or acceleration-deceleration Injury

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 About this template
AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT

Roll Over Crash

● Turn-turtle impact
● the unrestrained passenger may tumble inside the
vehicle and may sustain injuries from striking the
interior of the vehicle

Ejection of Occupant
● ejection of the occupant out of the door
● person may hit the ground

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 About this template
PEDESTRIAN-VEHICLE COLLISION

PEDESTRIAN-VEHICLE COLLISION
Primary Impact
● first contact between the pedestrian and the motor vehicle
● depends on the location of the impact
○ if the contact is below the center of gravity
■ body moves backward to hit the hood, windshield or the top of the car
■ most common site of the impact is the upper portion of the leg
○ if the contact is above the center of gravity
■ the body moves away from the vehicle and fall on the ground
● fracture of the leg after the first impact is called bumper fracture
Second Impact
● subsequent impact of the pedestrian to the ground after the first impact
● results in multiple abrasions and contusions

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 About this template
PEDESTRIAN-VEHICLE COLLISION

Run Over Injuries

● car wheel passing over the body
● causes crash fracture, rupture of organs and internal hemorrhage
● the victim dies of shock and death is instantaneous

Hit and Run Injuries

● a fast-moving vehicle may run over, hit or sideswipe a pedestrian or collide
with another vehicle or fixed object

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 About this template
MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Reasons why there is a high percentage of Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycles can attain a high speed
Drivers of other vehicles may fail to see it
At high speed and frequently in curves, the cyclist may lose control of the bike

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Thank you!

65
 University of Cebu
College of Criminal Justice

Legal Medicine

Dr. Golda Mier Auxtero Artiaga

CHILD ABUSE

2
 AboutCONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL this template

CHILD ABUSE

Battered child, Battered child syndrome, Maltreatment syndrome, Maltreated

child, Physically abused child, Ill-treated syndrome

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 AboutCONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL this template

CHILD ABUSE
physical and mental injury or maltreatment of a child
by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare
under circumstances which will indicate
that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby.
The infliction must be willful and not accidental

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 AboutCONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL this template

Physical Abuse
● Involves the use of instrument or fist blow
● May include the act of physical or emotional persuasion that forces or places
the child in a potentially dangerous situation

Physical Neglect
● Failure to provide the child with necessities of life
● The failure to provide must be willful

5
 About thisOF
CLASSIFICATION template
CHILD ABUSER

Intermittent Child Abuser parents who periodically batter a child

with periods of proper care between
battering

One-time Child Abuser parents who manhandle their children

for a time and never repeat the act

Constant Child Abuser parents who hate their child and

callously & deliberately beats and
miscares for it

Ignorant Child Abuser parents mean well but their attempts

at rearing their children result in a
permanent injury or death of their
children
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 About this Injuries
Physical template

Medical evidence from forcefully striking objects

Skin imprints from forcefully striking objects
Multiple bruises
Multiple small burns or immersion burns
Multiple fresh healing fractures
Trauma to the mouth, nose, ears and eyes
In case of sexual abuse, injuries to the genitals
In case of child neglect, signs of malnourishment, poor hygiene, infection, etc.

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 About
Social Reaction tothis template
Child Abuse and Neglect

Mandates on the reporting of maltreated or abused child cases

● All hospitals, clinics as well as private physicians shall within 48 hours from
knowledge of the case, report in writing to the city fiscal/DSWD
● Report of maltreated or abused child
● The court may deprive parents of their authority over the child or adopt other
measures for the welfare of the child

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 About
Social Reaction tothis template
Child Abuse and Neglect

When does abuse, neglect or abandonment of children

become a criminal act or omission?
● If a child dies, then the offender is guilty of parricide
● Abuse, neglect or abandonment of children is made a criminal act or omission
● If the child did not die but was a victim of physical injuries, the offender can be
charged with frustrated parricide or physical injuries
● If the child is abandoned or neglected, the offender can be charged for
abandonment of minors

Parricide means killing of one’s relative

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 MEDICO-LEGAL
ASPECT OF SEX CRIME

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 AboutVirginity
this template

Virginity
● is a condition of a female who has not experienced sexual intercourse and
whose genital organs have not been altered by carnal connection.

Hymen
● Thin fold of mucus membrane at the external orifice of vagina

“Virtuous female”
● a woman who is pure and who has never had any sexual intercourse with
another, even though her mind and heart is impure

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 About
Kindsthis template
of Virginity

Moral Virginity
○ the state of not knowing the nature of sexual life and not having
experienced sexual relation
○ applies to children below the age of puberty and whose sex organs
and secondary sex characters are not yet developed

Virgo Intacta
○ Literally the term refers to a truly virgin woman
○ There are no structural changes in her organ to infer previous sexual
intercourse
○ She is a virtuous woman

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 About
Kindsthis template
of Virginity

Physical Virginity
○ a woman is conscious of the nature of the sexual life but has not
experienced sexual intercourse
○ applies to women who have reached sexual maturity but have not
experienced sexual intercourse
○ True or False virginity
Demi Virginity
○ Condition of a woman who permits any form of sexual liberties as long
as they abstain from rupturing the hymen by sexual act.
○ “Engage in all forms of sex (even anal) except penetration of the vagina
that may lead to the destruction of the hymen”

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 About this template
Defloration

Defloration
is the laceration or rupture of the hymen as a result of sexual intercourse
other lacerations of the hymen which are not caused by sexual act are not
considered as defloration.

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 About
Death this to
Related template
Sexual Act

Death of the Male Partner

Death from natural cause
● During sexual intercourse, the male suffers from cardio-vascular disease
● Increase in BP, tachycardia and hyperventilation

Death may be due to the defensive act of the woman-victim

● In cases of rape, the victim may inflict injuries to the offender which may cause
his death.

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 About
Death this to
Related template
Sexual Act

Death of the Female Partner

Accidental
● Accidental strangulation or suffocation of the female partner
● Partial or total obstruction to air passage during fellatio or oral sex
● Ejaculation of seminal fluid may occlude the lumen of the respiratory tract
● In case of cunnilingus, the male partner may blow air into the vulva causing
air embolism
● Sadists inflicting pain may cause physical injuries that may lead to death
● Shock as a result of extreme physical and mental trauma in case of rape
● Hemorrhage & Infection
Homicide
● Deliberately done to conceal the crime of rape

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 About
Death this to
Related template
Sexual Act

Death of the Both Partners

● May be due to the performance of the sexual act in an enclosed place with
carbon monoxide or other asphyxiant gas.
● Homicide-suicide pact

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RAPE

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 About this
Rapetemplate

WHEN AND HOW IT IS COMMITTED?

RAPE is committed by having carnal knowledge of a woman under any of the ff
circumstance:
● by using force or intimidation
● when a woman is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious
● when the woman is under 16 years old

CARNAL KNOWLEDGE
● act of a man in having sexual bodily connection with a woman
● there is carnal knowledge if there is the slightest penetration in the sexual
organ of the female by the sexual organ of the male

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 About this
Rapetemplate

DEPRIVING THE VICTIM OF HER REASON OR OTHERWISE MADE UNCONSCIOUS

1. Deprival of Reason
● Rape committed on insane or mentally deficient woman
○ victim: woman, 14 years of age, feeble-minded and can only speak monosyllables
○ sexual intercourse with insane woman
○ BUT, sexual intercourse with a deaf-mute woman is not rape in the absence of proof
that she is an imbecile
○ proof of mental condition of the victim by medical findings of the physician
● Rape committed while the woman is under the influence of alcohol or other
depressant drugs
● Sexual act on a woman under the influence of sex stimulating drugs

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 About this
Rapetemplate

DEPRIVING THE VICTIM OF HER REASON OR OTHERWISE MADE UNCONSCIOUS

2. The woman-victim is unconscious

● Sexual act committed while the woman is on her natural sleep
● Sexual act on a woman suffering from sleeping sickness because woman is
unconscious
● Sexual act on a woman who is unconscious because she was knocked-out
○ if offender inflicted physical injuries on a woman sufficient to make her unconscious
before the sexual act was done
○ sexual act after administration of narcotics or other "knock out" drugs

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 About this
Rapetemplate

DEPRIVING THE VICTIM OF HER REASON OR OTHERWISE MADE UNCONSCIOUS

2. When the woman is under 16 years of age

● called statutory rape
● regardless of whether or not force or intimidation is applied or the child is not
deprived of her reasons or otherwise unconscious
● even if child consented or even if child a prostitute
● reason: one must not take advantage of the meager intelligence and
incomplete physical development of a child below the age of 16
● multiple rapes committed by each accused was independent to others
● victim and accused must immediately be examined by the physician to have a
strong medical evidence of rape, BUT lack of medical examination of victim is
NOT an indispensable element in the prosecution of rape.

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 About this
Rapetemplate

Instances when rape is punishable by death

● when by reason or on the occasion of rape, the victim becomes insane

● when the rape is attempted or frustrated and a homicide is committed by
reason or on the occasion thereof
● when by reason or on the occasion of the rape, a homicide is committed

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SEDUCTION

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 About this template
Seduction

Seduction
the act of a man enticing women to have unlawful intercourse with him by
means of persuasion, solicitation, promises, bribes, or other means without
employment of force

There are two kinds of seduction punishable under the Revised Penal Code:
1. Qualified seduction
2. Simple seduction

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 About this template
Seduction

Simple Seduction
Seduction of a woman who is single or a widow of good reputation, over 16 but
under 18 years old, committed by means of deceit

Elements:
● There must be sexual intercourse
● The sexual act was committed by means of deceit
○ Deceit: fraudulent and cheating misinterpretation (promise of marriage, etc.).
● Virginity is not an element is simple seduction.

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 About this template
Seduction

Qualified Seduction
Seduction of a virgin over 12 and under 18 years of age committed by a person in
public authority, priests, house servant, domestic, guardian or any person who, in any
capacity, shall be entrusted with the woman seduced
● Ordinary
○ committed by any person who, in any capacity, shall be entrusted with the
woman seduced
○ Elements:
■ The offended party must be a virgin
■ The offended party must be over 12 but under 18
■ There must be sexual intercourse between the offender and
offended party
■ The sexual act was done through abuse of authority and confidence

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 About this template
Seduction

● Incestuous
○ This includes seduction wherein there is blood relationship
○ In this type of seduction, the woman seduced need not be a virgin or may be
more than 18 years of age
○ Elements:
■ Sexual act between the offender and offended party
■ Ascendant who seduces their descendant

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ACTS OF LASCIVIOUSNESS

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 About
Acts this template
of Lasciviousness

Acts of Lasciviousness
acts which tend to excite lust; conduct which is wanton, lewd, voluptuous or lewd
emotion

Acts considered Lascivious

Embracing, kissing and holding a woman’s breast
Placing of the man’s private organ over a girl’s genitals
Compelling the woman to take off her clothes and dance before the offended

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 About
Acts this template
of Lasciviousness

Elements
● The offender commits any act of lasciviousness
● The lascivious act is done under any of the following circumstances
○ by using force and intimidation
○ by depriving her of her reasons or otherwise unconscious
○ when a woman is under 12 years of age
○ the offended party must be a person of either sex

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ABDUCTION

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 About this template
Abduction

Abduction
the carrying away of a woman by the abductor with lewd design

Lewd design
is the intent of the abductor to have sexual intercourse with the woman abducted

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 About this template
Abduction

Forcible Abduction
● The victim abducted is a woman
● The abduction is against her will
● The abduction is with lewd design (desire to have sex)

Consented Abduction
● The offended party must be a virgin
● Must be over 16 but under 18
● Carrying away of the offended party with her consent
● Taking away is with lewd design

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ADULTERY & CONCUBINAGE

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 About this
Adultery template
& Concubinage

Adultery
committed by any woman who shall have sexual intercourse with a man not her
husband and by the man who has carnal knowledge of her, knowing her to be married,
even if the marriage be subsequently declared void

Elements
● The woman is married
● She has sexual intercourse with a man not her husband
● The man whom she had sexual intercourse knows her to be married (Paramore)

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 About this
Adultery template
& Concubinage

Concubinage
Any husband who shall keep a mistress in the conjugal dwelling, or shall have
sexual intercourse, under scandalous circumstances, with a woman who is not his
wife, or shall cohabit with her in any other place

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PROSTITUTION

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 About this template
Prostitution

Prostitution
Prostitutes are women who, for money or profit, habitually indulge in sexual
intercourse or lascivious conduct (Art. 202, No. 5, Revised Penal Code).

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 About this template
Prostitution

Requirements to be satisfied before a woman may be considered a prostitute:

1. She habitually indulges in sexual intercourse or lascivious acts
2. When the habitual sexual intercourse or lascivious act is done for money or
profit

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 About this template
Prostitution

Medico-legal Aspects of Prostitution:

1. Prostitution is one of the venues in spreading venereal and other diseases
2. Evidences may be gathered to prove sexual or lascivious acts

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 About this template
Prostitution

Types of Prostitutes:
1. Call Girl — Receives telephone calls from the selected group of customers
2. Hustler —
a. Bar or tavern "pick-up" — frequent places where liquor is sold,
sometimes with the knowledge of the management
b. Street walker — She finds her customers in various places and makes
the contact herself
3. Door Knocker — A newcomer in the field of prostitution. She frequents small
hotels and furnished rooms or roams in the hall room of these places.
4. Factory Girl — She works in regular house of prostitution. She accepts all
comers and has nothing to do with the selection and solicitation of customers.
She is under the direct supervision of a " madam" or " mama-san"

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Thank you!

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