Korean Journal of Legal Medicine  2012;36(1):15-21

doi:10.7580/KoreanJLegMed.2012.36.1.15

Historical Development of Forensic Pathology in the United States.

Tae M CHOO 1 ; Young Shik CHOI

Affiliations

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Keywords

forensic pathology; autopsy; coroner; medical examiner

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

While forensic pathology has become a vital tool in solving crime over recent years, it remains a vague term to many criminal justice practitioners. Chronicling the development of autopsy and forensic pathology in the United States will introduce this modern field. An examination of forensic pathology will also explain how its role has evolved to accommodate legal and civil issues. The utility of forensic pathology extends well beyond the medical realm by affecting the core of the medicolegal investigative system in the United States.