Toxicology v Pharmacology

Toxicology and pharmacology are fields of expertise that are commonly used in UK Criminal Law and they are so closely related, that they are often perceived to be two sides of the same coin. Both forensic toxicology and pharmacology involve the study of the effects of drugs on biological systems, where ‘drugs’ refers to any man-made or natural substance that has either a biochemical or psychological effect on the recipient. However, there are significant differences between these two branches of medical science. But what are the differences? In terms of Criminal Law, what are their applications? This article will define what they are, the forensic applications of each, and when to use them.

Pharmacology
This practice involves research and experimentation with different known or unknown compounds in order to test the various effects they have on different organisms. Often, pharmacologists’ study different types of diseases or disorders and attempt to synthesise new drugs in order to treat them. Consequently, pharmacologists are more focused on the therapeutic and palliative effects of different chemicals, rather than the adverse effects of these chemicals which is more important in the field of toxicology.

Forensic Pharmacology: What can they do?
In a forensic setting, Pharmacologists are used in cases where drugs have been found in the system of either the victim or the accused. An analysis of the type of drug, its positive and negative effects on the human body, and also the amounts administered can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case.

In cases where there has been a death involved, the pharmacologist can investigate the effects of any drugs found in the system of the victim and whether they contributed to the death. Examples of this can be where there are allegations of murder and manslaughter, as well as a defence of accidental overdose. The pharmacologist will be able to offer expert witness testimony on the effects on the human body of the type and amount of drugs in the system of the deceased; both illegal drugs and drugs obtained through a prescription.

There are also cases in which the victim has been given substances over a length of time, which has resulted in illness, and also in cases where the administering of a substance has created a dependency on the accused. A pharmacologist is able to answer questions such: What effect (both positive and negative) does the drug have on the human body? What are the effects of differing levels of the drug on the human body? The answers to which can have significant impacts on the outcome of a case.

Toxicology
In contrast to pharmacology, toxicology refers to the study of the effects of venoms, poisons and drugs on biological organisms. As the name suggests, toxicologists focus on the toxic properties of these substances. This science studies the effects of dosage, factors that influence the strength of chemical toxins, and the method which the toxins enter an organism. The study of toxicology is laboratory based but can involve direct interaction with people or an environment.

Forensic Toxicology: What can they do?
When poisoning or drug use is suspected in a crime, a forensic toxicologist will be instructed in order to aid the criminal investigation. This can be for both the prosecution or the defence. Often, the toxicologist will enter a crime scene and search for anything that may indicate toxic related interferences such as; pill bottles, dirty needles, and illegal drugs or trace residue. The toxicologist will then return to a lab and analyse the chemical make-up of the substance and attempt to determine whether or not the substance was toxic, and if so what amount or dosage was necessary to cause harm.

Forensic toxicologists also test bodily fluids in order to determine whether or not toxic chemicals are present. For example, in the case of suspected drunk driving a blood sample will be taken and used to determine the person’s blood alcohol levels at the time the blood was drawn. Blood samples are the preferred way to test for chemical exposure, but toxins can also be detected in urine samples or other bodily fluids. Hair follicles may also be used in order to provide a rough timeline of when a substance entered the body, however they only provide a medium to long term record of exposure and can also influenced by hair colour and coarseness.

Regarding allegations of murder and unlawful killing that potentially involve substances, post-mortem autopsies are very useful in order to detect any undigested materials. Once ingested, a substance often does not remain in its original form and it is the forensic toxicologist’s job to determine what the original form of the toxin was. The answers to which can have significant implications for the case. Forensic toxicologists can also use other organisms to determine what toxins are present. Organisms such as bacteria or maggots may ingest the chemical and can be analysed by the toxicologist in order to determine its chemical makeup and the effect it may have on the human body.

Consequently, there are many differences between pharmacology and forensic toxicology. The main difference being that pharmacologists analyse the effects of therapeutic drugs on the human body, whereas forensic toxicologists examine the effects of toxins when a crime or poisoning has been committed, in order to aid a legal investigation.

How Clarity can help with your case:
The benefit of using an expert from Clarity is that that all forensic toxicologists and pharmacologists at Clarity are court ready. This means that they 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.

Making the right choice of forensic toxicologist and forensic pharmacologist 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 whether or not a particular substance has any bearing on the outcome of a case.

At Clarity, our team has the expertise to match your need with the appropriate toxicology/pharmacology skill set, all at legal aid rates, and with nationwide coverage. Our extensive database includes all aspects of forensic toxicology and pharmacology that can be accessed nationwide. If you have any questions about whether you need a toxicologist or a pharmacologist, contact the team at Clarity and they will take you through the process and ensure get you the right expert for your case.