DETERMINATION OF THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE OF WOUNDS AND THE AGE OF THE WOUND

Abstract

The distinction between antemortem and postmortem injuries and their proper timing is one of the cardinal problems of forensic medicine. It helps not only to convict the guilty but also to acquit persons who are suspect but in fact not guilty. As a classic example, a person may, after death, be run over by a car. If the medical examiner does not recognize that the injuries were caused after death, innocent people may be arrested or even found guilty. On the other hand, defective observations may lead to the acquittal of guilty persons. For example, the body of a murdered person may be put on a railroad track in order to simulate a suicide or an accident. Thus, justice in these matters often rests upon the accuracy in observation and interpretation of the injuries found.

Keywords

• Vascular response
• Cellular response
• Age of the wound

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