Introduction to Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology is the subspecialty area of pathology that is specifically involved in the investigation of sudden, unexpected, and/or violent deaths. Thus, the practice of forensic pathology involves applying forensic scientific and pathological techniques to the investigation of lethal episodes. In a more general sense, forensic pathology can also be considered part of the somewhat larger discipline of forensic medicine that applies forensic sciences to medical issues.

The main role for most forensic pathologists is to perform medicolegal autopsies; however, the nature of the practice is very variable depending on jurisdictions. In certain countries, such as Australia, forensic pathologists will only perform autopsies at the direction of the State Coroner, who is a lawyer and a judicial officer. In some jurisdictions in the United States, such as certain county-based medical examiners systems and most coroner systems, the official, legally mandated responsibility for the...