Guidelines for the Medicolegal Investigation and Examination of Death - A Suggested Step-by-Step Approach to the Investigation of Sudden, Unexpected or Unnatural Deaths and the Medicolegal Autopsies on the Remains Thereof

• NCJ Number: 72790
• Author(s): G E Gantner; J T Weston; V O McCarty; R G Capron; M Ernst
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 130 pages
• Corporate Author: University of New Mexico; St Louis University School of Medicine
• Sale Source: Forensic Sciences Foundation Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This manual presents a step-by-step approach to the investigation of sudden, unexpected, or unnatural deaths and to medicolegal autopsies. In notebook form, it prompts on-scene investigators concerning significant details that should be sought and recorded.

Abstract

These guidelines are indexed alphabetically and list the most common questions which need to be answered in an effective investigation. Lists of questions are presented for deaths apparently related to aircraft and auto accidents, alcohol, burns, carbon monoxide, and child abuse and neglect. Questions also pertain to deaths caused by cutting/stabbing, drowning, drugs, electrical devices, exposure, falls and fire, gunshots, hanging, industrial accidents, sudden infant death syndrome, medication, sex crimes, complications from surgery, apparent suicide, and natural causes. Examination guidelines are given for investigations involving burned, charred remains or skeletal remains; decomposed remains; violent deaths; and other types of death classified above.