Forensic Pathology

What is Forensic Pathology?

Forensic pathology is done to determine the cause and time of death. The difference

between forensic pathology and clinical pathology is that while forensic pathologists

work in the forensic department and deal with crime-related things, clinical pathologists

mostly work in hospitals and determine diseases via bodily fluids. Additional forensic

Pathologists often deal with sudden, violent, or unexpected deaths. They collect

evidence from a body for a criminal investigation that can be used in court.

The Role of a Forensic Pathologist

• Determining cause and manner of death

• Performing autopsies

• Collecting evidence,

• Writing reports and testifying in court.

Common Types of Cases

Include Homicides, Suicides, Accidental deaths, Unexplained or suspicious deaths,

Sudden deaths, Violent deaths, Homicides, and Suicides.

The Autopsy Process

External examination, Internal examination, Toxicology and lab analysis, and

Documentation and photography.

Tools and Techniques Used

Forensic pathologists often use autopsy tools like Bone Saw, the Scalpel, Scissors, Rib

Shears, Toothed Forceps and more if needed. Techniques include organ removal

techniques, postmortem imaging, toxicology, DNA analysis, microscopy, and other

laboratory techniques.

Challenges in Forensic Pathology

Physical problems, mental issues, severe shortage of forensic pathologists, lack of

funding, decomposition, and time of death estimation, legal and ethical issues, and overcoming biases are some of them.

Education and Career Path

1. Four-Year University (Bachelor’s) Degree

2. Optional; 2-Year Master's Degree

3. Four-Year Medicine (MD) Degree

4. Pathology Residency

5. Forensic Pathology Fellowship

6. Licensing and board certification

Real-World Impact

Helping criminal investigation by providing scientific evidence that is objective, giving

closure to families and relatives, identifying unknown corpses, and more.

Written and researched by Yaren

2025 The HEAL Project