A field of forensic science that involves application of pathological methods in investigation of a crime and of sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths is called Forensic pathology. Well, here we will talk more about what a Forensic pathology is.
A forensic pathologist is a subspecialist in pathology whose field of special competence is the examination of persons who die suddenly, suspiciously, unexpectedly, or violently. Surely, a forensic pathologist is an expert in determining cause and manner of the death. Usually, a forensic pathologist will examine bodies to determine the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the cause of death. Also, a forensic pathologist will look for evidence that can be used in trials. For your information, a forensic pathologist is also known as coroner.
Generally, forensic pathologists are trained in many forensic sciences and traditional medicine. Also, the forensic pathologist must expert other areas of science such as knowledge of toxicology, firearms examination, forensic serology, trace evidence, and DNA technology. The forensic pathologist will act as the case coordinator for the medical and forensic scientific assessment of a death, ensuring that the suitable procedures and evidence collection techniques are applied to the body.
Read also: What education is needed? and how much does it cost?
If you are a forensic pathologist who is employed as a death investigator, then you must bring your expertise to interpret the scene of death, in the assessment of the time of the death, the consistency of witnesses’ statements with the injuries, and the interpretation of injury patterns. In jurisdictions where there are some medical examiner systems, usually the forensic pathologists are employed to do autopsies to determine cause and manner of the death.
So, simply we can say that a forensic pathologist is specially trained to:
- Do autopsies in determining the presence or absence of disease, injury, or poisoning.
- Evaluate historical and law-enforcement investigative information related to manner of the death
- Collect some medical evidence, such as trace evidence and secretions.
- Document a sexual assault.
- Reconstructing how a person received disease, injury, or poisoning.
A forensic pathologist will analyze the medical history of the deceased individual. Also, a forensic pathology will look for crime scene evidence and witness testimonials. As we explained before, a forensic pathologist will perform an autopsy to determine whether death was caused by disease, injury, or poisoning, and will collect further evidence from the body of the deceased individual.
Based on the research, there are five legally recognized causes of the death: natural, suicide, accident, homicide, and undetermined. After the investigation is complete, then a forensic pathologist is needed to document his/her findings in a report. Sometimes, a forensic pathologist is required to testify in the court. The forensic pathologists frequently become the crucial witnesses in the court trials involving death because their testimony and credibility will be able to assist in determining a defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Apparently, the work in this field is hard, the hours long, and many responsibilities. Surely, it is a difficult job, considering a forensic pathologist must deal with people who have passed away every day. Also, remember that forensic pathology is not a career for the weak of heart. But if you become a forensic pathologist, you will get a great career, and the paycheck makes up for the efforts and sacrifices. Actually, a forensic pathologist makes a difference in the world.
Read also: Average the salary per hour
By the way, who can become a forensic pathologist? Individuals who have completed required training that varies slightly from one country to another can become forensic pathologists. Usually, they are medical doctors who have already completed anatomical pathology and then sub-specialized in the field of forensic pathology. In other words, they are pathologists who have also earned skills and knowledge which are relevant for legal procedures as they must be able to identify evidence that can be used for an eventual persecution.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
