STUDY UNIT 4:
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
1
, FORENSIC PATHOLOGY FIELD OF STUDY
Forensic pathology studies the effects of:
• trauma
• injury
• unnatural diseases on the human body
Forensic pathology is particularly interested in accidental, suicidal and
homicidal cases where tissue damage is the main finding
It should be noted that cases of poisoning is also part of the field of study –
it is highlighted seperately because not all poisons cause tissue damage
CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH DEATHS
ARE SEEN AS UNNATURAL
Based on the above study field demarcation
forensic pathology is interested in deaths
that could be classified as possibly unnatural
Before we consider the circumstances under
which deaths are seen as unnatural –
what are examples of natural deaths?
Circumstances under which deaths are seen
as unnatural:
1. Any person who dies as a result of:
• the effect of violence on the body – provide an example?
• An external physical factor that impacts on the body –
provide an example?
2
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
1
, FORENSIC PATHOLOGY FIELD OF STUDY
Forensic pathology studies the effects of:
• trauma
• injury
• unnatural diseases on the human body
Forensic pathology is particularly interested in accidental, suicidal and
homicidal cases where tissue damage is the main finding
It should be noted that cases of poisoning is also part of the field of study –
it is highlighted seperately because not all poisons cause tissue damage
CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH DEATHS
ARE SEEN AS UNNATURAL
Based on the above study field demarcation
forensic pathology is interested in deaths
that could be classified as possibly unnatural
Before we consider the circumstances under
which deaths are seen as unnatural –
what are examples of natural deaths?
Circumstances under which deaths are seen
as unnatural:
1. Any person who dies as a result of:
• the effect of violence on the body – provide an example?
• An external physical factor that impacts on the body –
provide an example?
2
