Forensic pathology is a specialized branch of pathology that focuses on determining the cause and manner of death by examining deceased individuals, particularly in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths.
🧬 What Is a Forensic Pathologist?
A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor who performs autopsies and works closely with legal authorities (e.g., law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners) to:
- Determine the cause of death (e.g., gunshot wound, heart attack, overdose)
- Determine the manner of death (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, undetermined)
- Collect and interpret evidence from the body (wounds, toxicology, tissue samples)
- Provide expert testimony in court
🔍 Responsibilities of a Forensic Pathologist
- Perform autopsies to examine internal and external conditions of the body
- Order and interpret toxicology and lab tests
- Document injuries or disease that could have contributed to death
- Determine time of death
- Work with forensic investigators and law enforcement
- Produce autopsy reports and testify in criminal or civil cases
⚖️ Common Cases They Investigate
- Homicides
- Suicides
- Accidental deaths (car crashes, overdoses)
- Unattended or sudden natural deaths
- Deaths in custody or during medical procedures
🧪 Tools & Techniques Used
- Autopsy (post-mortem examination)
- Histology (microscopic tissue analysis)
- Toxicology (detecting drugs, alcohol, poisons)
- Radiology (X-rays, CT scans)
- DNA analysis and trace evidence collection