Forensic pathologists: How do they help your case?
What is Forensic Pathology?
Forensic pathology is a field of forensic science which involves the investigation of sudden, suspicious or unexplained deaths. A forensic pathologist examines the deceased in order to determine the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the cause of death, as well as looking for evidence that can be used in trials.
The main job of a forensic pathologist is to determine the cause of death based on autopsy and post-mortem examination of a body. They need to determine how the person died, and whether the person died from a bullet wound, stab wound, strangulation, stroke, cardiac arrest, disease, poisoning, etc.
Besides determining the cause of death, forensic pathologists also seek to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the person’s death. They need to determine whether death occurred naturally or whether it was homicide, accident or suicide. In rare cases, the manner of death may be undetermined.
While performing autopsies and examining the deceased, forensic pathologists also look for and record evidence that can be used as proof in an eventual trial. Examples include wounds, injuries, presence of toxins in tissues or/and bodily fluids, defensive marks, etc.
At Clarity, criminal law firms in the UK can access all specialisms of pathology that are required in criminal law. This complete service can also be accessed nationwide, and as always, a quote and expert is guaranteed within 24 hours for your convenience.
Types of Forensic Pathologist:
Home Office Registered: In England and Wales, the Home Office maintains a restricted list (“The Home Office List”) of pathologists who perform autopsies in cases which might result in criminal proceedings for homicide. Only pathologists with approved training and special qualifications in forensic pathology are eligible for inclusion on the Home Office List.
In the field of general forensic pathology, the Home Office registered pathologists at Clarity typically perform 2nd autopsies for defence solicitors. In this the prosecution findings are analysed, with the conclusions being presented in a court ready report.
Neuropathologist: In the field of forensic pathology, Neuropathology is primarily concerned with death due to brain injury. This has applications in many types of criminal cases, from assaults and murders, to shaken baby syndrome cases, the neuropathologist can analyse the data from the original autopsy, as well as perform further tests on the deceased to establish the cause of the brain injury.
Typical cases that require a neuropathologist include instances in which the deceased has had an altercation with the defendant. One punch kills are surprisingly common, as well as situations in which the deceased has been the subject of sustained violent attack. In these situations, the neuropathologist can differentiate between the cause of death being the attack itself and/or as a result of the impact of the head hitting the floor; the answer to which can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case.
Ophthalmic: This is a highly specialised field of pathology and is concerned with the eyes and their neighbouring tissues. This expertise, in terms of forensic pathology, typically has applications in cases that have allegations of Shaken Baby Syndrome. This is a serious brain injury caused by forcefully and violently shaking a baby and is a form of child abuse that causes severe brain damage.
One of the symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome is ocular bleeding and retinal haemorrhages, which range from a few scattered haemorrhages to extensive haemorrhages involving multiple layers of the retina. While this is only one of several symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome, it is central to any prosecution allegations.
The Ophthalmic pathologists at Clarity have extensive experience in the field of forensics and are well versed in the processes of the court. This means that you can be assured that you have made the right choice of pathologist to answer the questions required by your specific case and circumstances.
Paediatric: As with all aspects of medicine, paediatric pathology is separated from adult pathology due to the differences between an established adult body and the body of a child that is growing. The specialism also includes perinatal pathology concerned with the cause of death at or around the time of birth, with many pathologists working across both fields enabling them to address causes of death in unborn babies, through to older children and adolescents.
The paediatric and perinatal pathologists at Clarity have extensive experience in the field of forensics and are well versed in the processes of the court. This means that you can be assured that you have made the right choice of pathologist to answer the questions required by your specific case and circumstances.
The Benefits
The benefits to the case are that that all forensic pathologists at Clarity are court ready and have extensive experience in delivering their reports in a hostile court setting, while under intense scrutiny by the opposing barrister, and with the expert at all times being impartial, unbiased, and totally independent from outside interference allowing for a full and balanced report based solely on the facts.
Instructing the right type of forensic pathologist is essential for a criminal law case as it requires specific expertise and experience to address the complex nature of criminal law and to establish the cause of death.
At Clarity, our team has the expertise to match your need with the appropriate pathology skill set, all at legal aid rates, and with nationwide coverage. Our extensive database includes all aspects of forensic pathology that can be accessed nationwide. If you have any questions about the type of forensic pathologist you need, contact the team at Clarity and they will take you through the process and ensure get you the right pathologist for your case.
