LEGAL MEDICINE

By: Vincent Misalang

 FORENSIC MEDICINE MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE
(Forensic Pathology)
The application of medical science to Knowledge of law in relation to the
elucidate legal problems practice of medicine

(Law, Rights and Obligation

Deals with the interaction of medical science
with the law
All branches of medicine can have forensic
aspect
The main objective is the TRUTH based on the
evidence
It is the practice of medicine to elucidate legal
matters
APPLICATION OF LEGAL MEDICINE TO LAW

Civil Law
In case of paternity and filiation
The determination of personality (DNA)
Criminal Law
Different crimes committed under RPC
Special Law
In case of RA 6425,RA 9165 and RA 10640; Insurance Law
Remedial Law
It is the branch or division of law which deals with the rules
concerning pleadings, practices and procedures in all courts of
the Philippines
 HISTORY OF LEGAL MEDICINE
Paulus Zacchias – the “Father of Forensic
Medicine”. He was the first person to
successfully applied medicine in the
administration of justice
Pedro Solis – He is considered as “Father of
Legal Medicine in the Philippines”. His book
“Legal Medicine” in 1987 explains extensively
the Philippine Legal Medicine
IMHOTEP
builder of the first pyramid and was
considered as the first or earliest recorded
medico-legal expert.
Antistius
The First Police Surgeon or Forensic Pathologist
Julius Caesar was murdered, 23 wounds and one
penetrated the chest cavity through the space
between the first and second ribs
Justinian
The recognition of the Expert Witness
Mathieu Orfila
Founder of Modern Toxicology
Dr. Rafael Genard Y Mas
Introduced the first medical textbook
Chief army physician
Manual De Medicina Domestica
 MEDICO LEGAL CASES
Injuries or deaths involving persons who have no means of
being identified
Persons pronounced as “DEAD ON ARRIVAL & DEATH UNDER
INQUIRY”
Death under the ff. circumstances:
Death occurring within 24 hours of admission when the clinical cause
of death is unknown or indeterminate
Unexpected sudden death
Death due to natural diseases but associated with physical evidence
suspicious of foul play
Death as a result of violence, accident, suicide or poisoning
Death due to improper or negligent act of another person
Physical injuries caused by:
Gunshot wound (entrance/ingress &
exit/egress(stellate), stab wound etc.,
Vehicular accident
Asphyxia
Electrocution
Accident, attempted homicide or suicide
Poisoning
Cases of child abuse, domestic violence, rape,
alcoholism and drug addiction
Cases involving the mental incompetency of the
patient
 MEDICAL JURIST ORDINARY PHYSICIAN
Medical jurist records all injuries to qualify An ordinary physician ignores trivial
the crime or justify the act injuries not needing treatment
Medical jurist sees injury or disease in Sees injury or disease to be able to treat
order to find out the cause
Medical Jurist testifies on bodily lesion Arrive at definite diagnosis and institute
seen for justice proper treatment
 MEDICO LEGAL OFFICE MEDICAL EXAMINER CORONER SYSTEM
SYSTEM SYSTEM

 Handled by a medical  A system under the  An inquest officer who

jurist who is a control of the Chief is duty bound to inquire
registered physician medical Examiner that the certain medico
duly qualified to is a doctor of medicine legal deaths within his
practice medicine and appointed by the jurisdiction
 System in the mayor from the  The coroner system has
Philippines classified lists complied as investigate and
 His duty to examine by the civil service by judicial powers
the victim or assailant, the basis of competitive  Elected
to make report, and to examination
appear in court as an  The office of the chief
expert witness when medical examiner is on
summoned by the 24 hours work with
proper authorities clerical staff always
present
EVIDENCE
is a means, sanctioned by rules of court, of
ascertaining in the judicial proceedings the truth
respecting the matter of fact

Take note: use only in court, as a general rule

 FACTUM PROBANS FACTUM PROBANDUM

Paano mo mapapatunayan Ano ang patutunayan mo

AUTOPTIC OR REAL EVIDENCE
The evidence made known or addressed to the
senses Hearing, Taste- Gustatory, Touch-
Cutaneous, Smell- Olfactory and Visual) of the
court. Highest form of Evidence
INDECENCY AND REPULSIVE OBJECTS TO THOSE OFFENSIVE
IMPROPRIETY TO SENSIBILITIES
Decency and delicacy may Foul smelling object, persons suffering from
cause inhibition of its highly infectious and communicable disease,
presentation or objects which when touch may mean
potential danger to the life and health of the
Judge may not be presented
TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE
It is that which is submitted to the court through
the testimony or depositions of a witnesss

ORDINARY WITNESS EXPERT WITNESS

A witness can testify only to those facts The opinion of a witness on a matter
he knows of his personal knowledge that requiring special knowledge, skill,
is , which are derived from his own experience or training which he is shown
perception, meaning the testimony of to possess, may be received in evidence
the witness must be based on personal
knowledge, not on what other people
told him because what he heard or what
the others told him is hearsay
WHO IS THE STAR OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN
COURT PROCEEDING

THE FORENSIC EXPERT

WHO DECIDE AND APPROVED THAT THE
PERSON TESTIFYING IS TO BE SO CALLED
EXPERT WITNESS

THE JUDGE OR THE COURT

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Articles and materials found in connection with
the investigation and establishing the identity of
the suspect.
The circumstances under which the crime was
committed, or in general assist in the
prosecution of a criminal.
THE BLOOD, SEMINAL FLUID AND SALIVA IS
WHAT KIND OF EVIDENCE?
 CORPUS DELICTI ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE TRACING EVIDENCE
Objects or substance that is Those that links or Assists the investigator in
part of the crime dovetails a suspect to a locating the suspect
crimes
Facts of the crime Link Locate
EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE
A medical witness may be allowed by the court
to confirm his allegation or as a corroborated
proof to an opinion he previously stated.

Support the evidence he stated by the use of

science and proof.
IDENTIFICATION
Is the recognition of an individual as determine,
by characteristics which distinguished that
individual from all others
IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION
1.A person who had been arrested of his
criminal act and that of the victim, their
identities must be established in order to
prosecute the case
2.The identities of a person who died leaving a
vast state and the person who claimed to be the
legal heir of the deceased must be established
3.Identification relieves the anxiety of his love
ones and friends of a missing or victims of
airplane crashed or ship wrecked
4.Identification is necessary I bank transaction
or entering premises
METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
By COMPARISON – with the used of standard
specimen, evidence under question can be
compared in order to effect identification
By EXCLUSION – is two or more persons have to
be identified and all but one is not yet
identified, then the one whose identity has not
been established may be known by the process
of elimination
LEGAL IMPORATNCE OF AGE DETERMINATION
For identification
To determine criminal liability
For right of suffrage
For the exercise of civil rights
Determination of the capacity to contract marriage
Age is factor by which the crime is committed
The crime of infanticide can only be committed when the child
killed is less than 3 days old
Seduction is committed on a woman over 12 and under 18 years
of age
POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED IN IDENTIFYING
A PERSON
1.Face it may be oval, elongated or triangular
a.Caucasian (EUROPOID) prominent sharp nose
b.Malayan flat nose with round face(Filipino)
c.Mongolian almond eyes and prominent cheek
bone
d.Negro thick lips and black face
 FACIAL EXPRESSIONS OR FACIES DUE TO
DISEASE
Hippocratic Facies expression of person
approaching death characterized by eye
sunken, pinched nose, temple hollow and lips
relaxed.
MYXEDEMA FACIES face has swollen cheeks
MONGOLIAN FACIES (Mongoloids) dull look
appearance characterized by almond shape
eyes, pale complexion and cheek bones.
FACIES LEMINE a face of a person suffering from
leprosy.
 CHARACTERISTIC THAT MAY NOT BE EASILY CHANGED

Mental memory
Speech
Gait – a manner of walking or moving on foot
Ataxic gait a gait which the foot is raised high thrown forward
and brought do
Cerebellar gait a gait associated with staggering movement
Cow’s gait a swaying movement due to knock knee
Paretic gait a gait in which the steps are short, the feet
dragged, the legs held widely apart
Spastic gait a gait in which the legs are held together and
move in stiff manner to drag and catch
GAIT LINE the straight line connecting the center
of the succeeding steps. It is more or less in
zigzag fashion especially when the legs are far
apart while walking (\ /) (/ \)

FOOT LINE the longitudinal line drawn on each

foot mark
TATTOO MARKS
It may help in the identification of the person
It may indicate memorable events in his life
It implies previous commitment in prison or
membership in a gang
 METHODS OF TATTOO REMOVAL
EXCISION involves the injection of local anesthetic to
numb the area after which tattoo is removed
surgically. The edges are then brought together and
sutured
DERMABRASION a small portion of the tattoo is
sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. The
tattoo is then sanded with rotary abrasive instrument
causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is
likely to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the
area
EXCISION
DERMABRASION
LASER considered to be one of the best methods
of tattoo removal.
SALABRASION a centuries old procedure using
local anesthetic applied around the tattoo area
after which a solution of ordinary tap water
dipped in table salt is applied and an abrading
apparatus such as the one used in dermabrasion
or even a simpler device is used such as wooden
block wrapped in gauze
SALABRASION
SCARS tissues that takes place the original tissue
that was damaged or injured.
 OTHER SCAR FORMATION
Surgical operation forms the pattern of the
wounds through the stitch marks
Burns and Scalds larger scars and irregular
shape
Gunshot wounds disc like depressed center
with burns around the gunshot wounds
Gumma scar depressed scar
VENESECTION located at the temporal region
after blood transfusion.
LUPUS bluish white scar.
 COLOR OF BLOOD
Cherry red color may indicate carbon monoxide
poisoning
Asphyxia lividity is black
Phosphorus dark brown
Potassium Chlorate coffee brown

A normal Filipino has about 16-18 glasses of blood.

The loss of 6 glasses of blood may cause of death and
loss of 3 glasses of blood may cause anemia
HEIGHT
A human bone does not change for 20
years(Bertilon and Galton)
A person ceases to increase in height at the age of
25 years. (Most active during 5-7 & 13-17 YO)
 DETERMINATION OF AGE OF CHILDHOOD
AND ADULTHOOD
Teeth enamel of the tooth is the hardest
substance of the human body (P.D. 1575 –
Provide records of their patients then after 10
years be submitted to NBI)
Tooth Eruption Periods
TEMPORARY: .5-2 YO (M&F)
PERMANENT: 6-18 YO(M&F)
Number of Bones
At birth 270 to 300 pcs
CHILD 200 pcs
ADULT 206 pcs
Source of additional 6 bones: 3 pairs of ossicles or tiny
bones found in both middle ears
 TAKE NOTE
Growth
3rd to 4th mos. Development of friction ridges
4th mos. Growth of hair in the head
5th mos. Nail are distinct
6th mos. Eyebrow and eyelashes begin to appear
1. Pubic hair = 13 years for F; 14 yo male
2. Mustache & beard = 16-18 yo
3. Breast = 13-14 yo
4. Voices = 16-18 yo
5. Pubic hair may turn gray at 40 y/o
6. Menstruation = 12 years (in tropical)
FETUS
1ST MONTH – eyes are seen as two dark spots
2nd MONTH – eyes and nose are recognizable
3rd MONTH – nails begin to appear and sex organs
have appeard
4th MONTH – sex can be distinguished and lanugo
is visible to the body. Fingerprints start to appear
5th MONTHS – dental gums appear and hair on the
head started to form gums
6th MONTHS – eyebrows and eyelashes start to
appear
7th MONTHS – eyelids are open and testes starts to
descend to scrotum. The body is dark red and
lump (males only).
8th MONTHS – nails reach the end of the fingers.
COMPLETE ALREADY
9TH MONTHS – nails are fully formed and the body
surface is now pale. (COMPLETE ALREADY except
the lungs)
PART OF THE HAIR
Cuticle the outer layer of the hair
Cortex or middle layer consist of longitudinal
fibers bearing the pigments
Medulla Or Core contains air rubbles and some
pigments
WHAT ARE THE HAIRS STAGES OF GROWTH

ANAGEN PHASE (UP) Active growth phase

CATAGEN PHASE (DOWN) Transition Stage
TELOGEN PHASE (END) Resting phase
MELANIN

EUMELANIN PHENOMELANIN
IT IS COLOR BLACK (BROWN) PINK (ORANGE) TO RED
(MORE) (COMMON ON NIPPLES, LIPS,
IF LESS IT WILL (LIGHTER PENIS AND VAGINA)
COLOR)
DEATH INVESTIGATION
 MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF DEATH
LIFE DEATH
THE SUM TOTAL OF ALL VITAL THE STATE OF COMPLETE
PROCESSES BY WHICH THE PERSISTENT CESSATION OF
PHYSICAL INTEGRITY OF THE THE VITAL FUNCTION OF THE
BODY IS MAINTAINED BODY SUCH AS THE FUNCTION
OF THE HEART, THE LUNGS
AND THE BRAIN
CADAVER
also called corpse, is a dead human body

CARCASS
dead body of an animal
WHAT LAW OR PROVISIONS THAT GOVERNS
THE CONDUCT OF AUTOPSY IN THE
PHILIPPINES?

Presidential Decree 856

NOTE: autopsy can be performed when the
permission is granted or no objection is raised to
such autopsy within 48 hours after death
IMPORTANCE OF DEATH INVESTIGATION
The civil personality of a natural person is extinguished
by death
The civil personality is extinguished by death. The
effect of death upon the rights and obligations of the
deceased is determined by law, by contract and by will.
The property of a person is transmitted to his heirs at
the time of death
The death of partner is one of the causes of dissolution
of partnership agreement
The death of either the principal or agent is a
mode of extinguishments of agency
The criminal liability of a person is extinguished by
death
The civil case for claims which does not survive is
dismissed upon death of the deffendant
KINDS OF DEATH
 CLINICAL DEATH MOLECULAR DEATH APPARENT DEATH
(Somatic Death) (Cellular Death) (Death of suspended
animation )

Declared death by the Death of individual cells A transient loss of

family of Physician (one at a time) after the consciousness of
somatic death temporary cessation of the
Sudden cessation of the vital function of the body
upward and downward The nerve cells and brain on account of disease,
movement of the chest in cells die earlier at about 5 external stimulus other
the process of respiration minutes due to loss of food forms of influence
(10-15 minutes) and oxygen while the
muscles live longer until
Sudden pale color of the the onset of the rigor
face and lips, pulse and mortis which about 2-3
heart beat stops, the jaw or hours after death.
head drops down and
flaccidity of the muscles
occur; presence of dilated
pupil as well as loss of
corneal and light reflexes
 SIGNS OF DEATH
Cessation of Respiration
Cessation of respiration in order to be considered
as a sign of death must be continuous and
persistent.
A person can hold his breath for a period of not
longer than 3 ½ minutes. In case of electrical
shock, respiration may cease for sometime but
maybe restored by continuous artificial respiration
METHODS OF DETECTING CESSATION OF RESPIRATION:
Expose the chest and abdomen and observe the movement
during inhalation and exhalation
Examine the person with aid of stethoscope which is placed
at the base of the anterior aspects of the neck and hear
sound of the current of air passing through the trachea
during each phase of respiration
Examination with a mirror
Examination with a feather or cotton fibers
Examination with a glass of water (Winslow’s test)
CESSATION OF HEART AND CIRCULATION
There must be an entire and continuous cessation of the
heart action and flow of blood in the whole vascular
system. A temporary suspension of the heart action is still
compatible with life. The length of time the heart may
cease to function and life is still maintained depends upon
the length of time it is readily reestablished and upon the
oxygenation of blood at the time of the suspension. As a
general rule, if there is no heart action for a period of
5minutes death is regarded as certain.
DETERMINATION OF BLOOD CIRCULATION
1. MAGNUS TEST
2. I CARDS TEST
3. FINGERNAIL PRESSURE TEST
4. DIAPHANOUS TEST
5. APPLICATION OF HEAT/MELTED WAX ON SKIN
6. OPENING/CUTTING OF ARTERY
7. PALPITATION OF PULSE
1. RADIAL PULSE
2. CAROTID PULSE
COOLING OF BODY (ALGOR MORTIS)
gradual decreasing of the body temperature
until such time it assumes the temperature of
the environment which is faster during the first
2 hours after death and slower during the next
6 and 9 hours and equal to the environmental
temperature beyond 12 hours
The fall of temperature of 15-10 degree
fahrenheit is considered as certain as death
POST MORTEM CALORICITY
The rise of temperature after death due to rapid and
early putrefactive changes or some internal changes.
It is usually observed in the first tho hours of death.
Occur in the ff condition:
a) Cholera
b) Tetanus
c) Small pox
d) Peritonitis
DEAD BODY
 MANNER OF DEATH
1.Natural Death
– Deaths caused exclusively by disease or birth
defect
– If an injury(physical or chemical) contributes to
death, no matter how minor the contribution, the
fatality cannot be classified natural
2.Homicide
– At the vey least, someone else did something
wrong that set in motion a process that resulted in
the persons death
3.Suicide
– At the very least, the person did something that
resulted in his/her death, and this is was more or
less what the person intended
4.Accident
– These death resulted from some kind of
unplanned, unintended injury
5.Undetermined
– When the circumstances and findings leave
unreasonable doubt about the classification
 ALGOR MORTIS LIVOR MORTIS RIGOR MORTIS CADAVERIC SPASM
 COOLING OF  CHANGES IN  STIFFENING OF  STIFFENING OF
THE BODY BLOOD MUSCLES AFTER CERTAIN GROUP
DEATH OF MUSCLES
 CONCLUSIVE  POSITION
SIGN OF DEATH MAINTAINED BY  APPROXIMATE  DETERMINE THE
THE BODY AFTER THE TIME OF CAUSE OF
 FAST DURING DEATH DEATH DEATH( VIOLENT
THE FIRST 2  STARTS ABOUT DEATH )
HOURS UNTIL 20-30 MINUTES  STARTS ABOUT
NO FALL OF % COMPLETES 2-3 TO  STARTS
BODY BETWEEN AT ABOUT 12 HOURS(NECK IMMEDIATELY
15-20 DEGREE HOURS AND LOWER AFTER DEATH
FAHRENHEIT  HYPOSTATIC JAW) (HAND AND
AND DIFFUSION COMPLETED AT FIST)
LIVIDITY 12 HOURS AND
LAST UP TO 24-
36 HOURS
 CHANGES OF THE BODY AFTER
DEATH
Primary Flaccidity (period of muscle irritability)
muscles are relaxed and capable of contracting
when stimulated
pupil are dilated, incontinence of urination and
defection
Lasts 3-6 hours after death
Stages of Post Mortem Rigidity (rigor mortis)
3-6 hours after death and (completely after 12
hours) may last 24-36 hours
Body becomes rigid due to contraction of the
muscles
CONDITIONS SIMULATING RIGOR MORTIS

Heat Stiffening
Body is exposed to temperature above 77 degree celsius
Pugilistic attitude
More or less permanent
Cold Stiffening
Due to solidification of fat when the body is exposed to
freezing temperature
Cadaveric Spasm or Instantaneous rigor
Rigidity of the muscles which occurs at the moment of death
due to nervous tension, exhaustion and injury to nervous
system
Pugilistic Attitude
Is an extremely typical post mortem body
posture that is similar to a kneeling position but
is involuntary. It is caused by coagulation of
muscle protein when the body exposed to
extremely high temperature.
 Distinction between Rigor Mortis and
Cadaveric Spasm
RIGOR MORTIS CADAVERIC SPASM
TIME OF APPEARANCE 3-6 HOURS AFTER DEATH IMMEDIATELY AFTER
DEATH
OCCURRENCE NATURAL MAY OR MAY NOT APPEAR
MEDICO LEGAL TIME OF DEATH CAUSE OF DEATH
SIGNIFICANCE
MUSCLE INVOLVED ALL THE MUSCLES CERTAIN
MUSCLE,ASYMETRIC
(Irregular)
Stages of Secondary Flaccidity or Secondary
relaxation
Due to the dissolution of the muscles protein
Onset of putrefaction
The body become limp again and the muscles are
no longer capable of responding to mechanical or
electrical stimulus
Noted about 48 hours after death
a. Coagulation (Clotting) of the blood
The stasis of the blood due to the cessation of
circulation enhances the coagulation of blood
inside the blood vessel. Blood clothing is
accelerated in cases of death by infectious fevers
and delayed in cases of asphyxia, poisoning by
opium, hydrocyanic acid or carbon monoxide
poisoning.
Blood may remain fluid inside the blood vessel
after death for 6-8 hours.
BLOOD GROUPING (CARL LANDSTEINER)

ABO SYSTEM (ANTI A & ANTI B)

RHESUS (RH) (ANTI D) (NEGATIVE OR
POSITIVE)
ANTE-MORTEM CLOT POST-MORTEM CLOT
 FIRM IN CONSISTENCY  SOFT IN CONSISTENCY
 SURFACE OF THE BLOOD VESSEL RAW  SURFACE OF THE BLOOD VESSELS
AFTER THE CLOTS ARE REMOVED SMOOTH AND HEALTHY AFTER THE
 CLOTS HOMOHGENOUS IN CLOTS ARE REMOVED
CONSTRUCTION SO IT CANNOT BE  CLOTS CAN BE STRIPPED OFF IN LAYERS
STRIPPED INTO LAYERS
 CLOT WITH UNIFORM COLOR  CLOT WITH DISTINCT LAYER
POST MORTEM LIVIDITY
it is the discoloration of the body after death when
the blood tends to pool in the blood vessels for the
most dependent portion to the pool in the blood
vessels for the most dependent portion of the body
The blood remains fluid in the body after 6-8 hours
and gradually clot until it is fully developed at about
12 hours.
The appearance of Post Mortem lividity usually
starts about 20-30 minutes after death, thus , it can
also be a means in approximating the time of death
of the person.
In carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning as
well as exposure to cold temperature, the color
is pink.
 Stages of Livor Mortis (Body move or not)

Hypostatic Lividity (under not permanent)

It is the lividity when the discoloration is due to the
blood pooled in the most dependent areas of the body.
Diffusion Lividity (permanent)
it is the fixed or permanent discoloration when the
blood clotted, inside the blood vessels or has diffused to
different parts of the body
IMPORTANCE OF CADAVERIC LIVIDITY
It is one of the signs of death
It may determine the position of the body after
death or whether it was changes its appearance in
the body
The color of the lividity may indicate the cause of
death. Asphyxia – dark & CO poisoning – bright
pink
It gives us an idea as to the time of death
 POST MORTEM DECOMPOSITION
Autolysis or autodigestive changes after death
After death, proteolytic glycolytic and lipolytic
ferments (agitation) of glandular tissues continue to
act which lead to the auto-digestion of organs. This is
facilitated by weak acid and higher temperature,
This is also seen in the maceration of the dead fetus
inside the uterus. The stomach may be perforated,
glandular tissues become soft after death due to
auto digestion and the action of autolytic enzymes.
Decomposition by enzymes
MACERATION
It is a condition of the dead body, usually the fetus,
characterized by the softening and discoloration of the tissues
as well as formation of blisters in the skin due to the action of
autolytic or proteolytic enzymes in the absence of utero is
important in the consideration of legal live-birth which shows
evidence of maceration by the following manifestation:
1. Reddish green to reddish brown discoloration of skin
2. Softness and limpness of the body
3. Blebs formation and separation of the epidermis from underlying
tissues
PUTREFACTION
It is the breaking down of the complex protein into simpler
components associated with the evolution of foul smelling
gases and accompanied by the change of color of the body
Decomposition by bacteria
Noted after 48 hours after death
First appears as a greenish discoloration
Marbling
It is generalized swelling and reddish discoloration along
the lines of the superficial veins occur.
PUTREFACTION
MARBLING
LIQUEFACTION OF THE SOFT TISSUES
As a decomposition progresses, the soft tissue of
the body undergo softening and liquefaction.
The eyeballs, brain, stomach, intestine, liver and
spleen putrefy rapidly while highly muscular
organs and tissues relatively putrefy late
LIQUEFACTION OF THE SOFT TISSUES
 SPECIAL FORMS OF PUTREFACTION
Mummification – a condition at which the bdy fluids
is removed before decomposition sets in resulting to
shrunkening and preservation of the dead body.
Natural for the forces of nature such as sunlight, warn
climate and hot dry soil influence the dead body
Artificial when the preservation is done with the
introduction of some chemical like formalin, alcohol,
phenol, mercury, arsenic and glycerine and covering
the skin with Vaseling or plaster of paris before
decomposition sets in.
Mummification
SAPONIFICATION (Adipocere formation)
Is the formation of a soft, friable and brownish –
white greasy substance in the soft fatty tissues
of the body after death. This substance is called
adipocere that is formed by hydrogenation of
the body fats. It can be possibly be seen in the
buttocks, trunk, limbs, breast and cheeks. It
prevents or delays the putrefaction of the body.
SAPONIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION OF DEATH
 I
MEDICO-LEGAL CLASSIFICATION OF DEATH:
Natural Death
Violent Death
Accident Death
Negligent Death
Infanticidal Death
Parricidal Death
Homicidal Death
Murder
Euthanasia
Suicidal death
 II
PATHOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION
Death of Syncope (loss of consciousness, fall of blood
pressure, cardiac standstill, cerebral metabolism,
hyperventilation, cardiac disease, tussive syncope
hysterical syncope.
Death of Asphyxia (Respiratory Obstruction and
circulatory Arrest, Inhalation of obnoxious gases fumes,
drowning and electric shock. Compression of the chest
and asphyxia in brain injury)
Death of Coma (profound stupor in sickness or after
severe injury) unconscious
ASPHYXIA
The failure or disturbance of the respiratory
process brought about by the lack of
insufficiency of oxygen in the brain
CYANOSIS
Evident especially at dependent portions of the
body (fingers, lips and if still hanging, the hands
and feet
CLASSIFICATION OF ASPHYXIA
Hanging – the neck is tied while the body is suspended
common from suicide.STRANGULATION
By ligature – used of string or rod
By manual strangulation or throttling – used of hands
against the neck
Special forms of strangulation
Palmar
Garotting
Mugging or yoking
Compression of the neck with stick
LIGATURE
THROTTLING
GAROTTING
MUGGING
AUTOPSY
A comprehensive study of a dead body performed by trained
physician using recognized dissection procedures and
techniques, primary to determine the true cause of death
indicates that, in addition to an external examination, the body
is opened and internal examination is conducted

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION

An external examination of a dead body without incision being
made, although blood and other fluids may be collected for
examination
METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF DEAD BODY
Embalming – artificial mummification
Burial – inhumation/interment- a method of placing dead
body in the grave
Funeral it is the procession of dead body followed by
grieving relatives, friends and other persons to the place
of burial in accordance with religion, custom and
tradition.
Person in charge the spouse(if married). The descendant
of the nearest degree and brother and sisters.
Cremation the burning of the dead body into
ashes or pulverization of the body into ashes
by the application of heat or flames.
Requirement : permit for cremation; exact
identification of the deceased and exact caused of
death has been ascertained

Disposal of the dead body to the sea

 USE OF THE DEAD BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC
PURPOSE
INHUMATION burying of the body
EXHUMATION (Disinterring)
Refers to the taking of a body from its tomb
Can done only upon lawful order with the permission
from DOH
Remains of persons who died of non dangerous, non
communicate diseases may be disinterred after 3 years.
Remains of persons who died of dangerous
communicable diseases may be disinterred after 5
years
WOUND
A break or solution in the continuity of the skin or
tissues of the body

INFLAMMATION
A specific tissue response to injury by the living or
inanimate agents, or to electrical, chemical etc.,
characterized by vascular dilatation, fluid exudation
and accumulation of leukocytes in the tissues
CLASSIFICATION OF WOUND
As to severity
Mortal wound
Non mortal wound
As to kind of instrument used
Blunt – lacerated
Sharp edge – incised
Sharp pointed – punctured
Sharp edged and sharp pointed – stab
Rough object - obration
LACERATED
PUNCTURED WOUND
Sharp edged and sharp pointed
ABBRASION WOUND
GUNSHOT WOUND – WOUND PRODUCED BY
BULLET

SINGEING – BURNING OF THE SKIN

SMUDGING – BLACKENING OF THE BULLET HOLE
TATTOOING – THE PEPPERING OF THE GUN
POWDER
 ENTRANCE EXIT
INVERTED WOUND EVERTED WOUND
SMALLER BIGGER
ROUNDED/OVAL IRREGULAR SHAPE
PRESENCE OF CONTUSION COLLAR NONE
SINGEING, SMUDGING AND TATTOOING NONE
MEDICO-LEGAL CLASSIFICATION
MUTILATION
SLIGHT PHYSICAL INJURY (1-9 DAYS)
LESS SERIOUS (10-30 DAYS)
SERIOUS (MORE THAN 30 DAYS)
ADMINISTRATION OF INJURIOUS SUBSTANCE OR
BEVERAGE
SEXUAL OFFENSE AND DEVIATION
Virginity a condition of a female who has not
experienced sexual intercourse and whose
genital organs have not been altered by carnal
correction.
KINDS OF VIRGINITY

Moral virginity state of not knowing the nature of sexual

life and not having experienced sexual relation

Physical virginity a condition whereby a woman is

conscious of the nature of the sexual life but not
experienced sexual intercourse. Applies to women who
have reached sexual maturity but not experienced sexual
intercourse
DEMI VIRGINITY a condition of a woman who
permits any form of sexual liberties as long as they
abstain from rupturing the hymen by sexual act.

VIRGO INTACTA applied to women who have had

previous sexual act but not yet given birth

DEFLORATION the laceration or rupture of the

hymen as a result of sexual intercourse
END