The Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department specializes in the intersection of medicine and law, focusing on the examination of medical evidence relevant to legal cases and the analysis of toxins and their effects on the human body. This department plays a crucial role in investigating cases involving injuries, fatalities, or suspicious circumstances, providing expert opinions and evidence to legal authorities.
Key areas within the department include:
Medicolegal Autopsies: Conducting thorough postmortem examinations to determine the cause and manner of death in cases where legal investigation is warranted.
Clinical Forensic Medicine: Assessing living individuals for evidence of physical assault, sexual violence, or other traumatic injuries, and providing medical documentation for legal purposes.
Toxicology: Analyzing substances, such as drugs, chemicals, and poisons, to determine their presence, concentration, and potential effects on individuals. This includes investigating cases of drug overdose, poisoning, and substance abuse.
Forensic Pathology: Studying the pathology of injuries and diseases in the context of legal proceedings, often involving testimony in court to explain medical findings to judges and juries.
Forensic Psychiatry: Evaluating the mental state and competency of individuals involved in legal cases, including defendants, witnesses, and victims, to assess their capacity to participate in legal proceedings.
Forensic Anthropology: Utilizing knowledge of human anatomy and skeletal remains to assist in the identification of individuals in cases of mass disasters, homicides, or historical investigations.