Forensic Medicine is defined as the application of medical principles to assist in the administration of justice. Specifically, it deals with the examination of individuals to determine the cause of injury or death, assess the effects of substances like drugs or alcohol, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Forensic Medicine includes:
- Forensic Pathology: The study of deceased individuals to determine the cause and manner of death through autopsies.
- Clinical Forensic Medicine: Deals with the examination of living individuals who may be victims of crimes or involved in legal cases.
- Forensic Toxicology: Study the effects of drugs and poisons on the human body, often in cases of suspected poisoning or overdose.
- Forensic Psychiatry: Evaluates the mental state of individuals involved in legal proceedings, particularly regarding their competency to stand trial.
In summary, it is an interdisciplinary field that combines medical expertise with legal principles to address questions related with injuries and deaths.