Scottish Executive, COPFS and The Royal College of Pathologists
ISBN 0 7559 1438 4 (Web only publication)
This document is also available in pdf format (336k)
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Professional standards in forensic pathology
3 Initial contact with the pathologist
3.1 Standard
3.2 Code of practice
4 The briefing
4.1 Standard
4.2 Code of practice
5 Scene of discovery of the body
5.1 Standard
5.2 Code of practice
5.2.1 Scene management
5.2.2 Action at the scene
5.2.3 Importance of notes
5.2.4 Photography
5.2.5 Position of the body
5.2.6 Assessment of the time of death
5.2.7 Other aspects of scene examination
5.2.8 Involvement of other specialists
5.2.9 Prevention of contamination at the scene
5.2.10 Taking of specimens at the scene
5.2.11 Removal of the body
6 The autopsy
6.1 Standard
6.2 Code of practice
6.2.1 Approach to the autopsy
6.2.2 General conisderations
6.2.3 Needs of relatives
6.2.4 Involvement of other specialists
6.2.5 Photography
6.2.6 Radiology
6.2.7 Autopsy notes
6.2.8 Removal of clothing
6.2.9 Collection of trace evidence from the body
6.2.10 Autopsy procedures
Measurements
External examination
Examination of injuries
Internal examination
Collection of internal specimens at autopsy
Post-mortem histology
Health and safety issues
Retention of material after autopsy
7 The pathologist's autopsy report
7.1 Standard
7.2 Code of practice
7.2.1 General comments
7.2.2 Report preamble
7.2.3 History
7.2.4 The scene of the death
7.2.5 External appearance of the body
7.2.6 Injuries
7.2.7 Internal examination
7.2.8 Supplementary examinations
7.2.9 Commentary and conclusions
7.2.10 Cause of death
7.2.11 Retention of samples
7.2.12 Final check
7.2.13 Time of submission of the report
7.2.14 Disclosure of information to the defence
8 Conferences and other subsequent action
8.1 Standard
8.2 Code of practice
8.2.1 Attendance at precognition
8.2.2 Availability for consultation
8.2.3 Change in opinion
9 The pathologist and the defence
9.1 Standard
9.2 Code of practice
10 Attendance at court
10.1 Standard
10.2 Code of practice
11 References