Understanding the pathological basis of trauma and unnatural deaths requires a specialized forensic approach to disease and injury. This book introduces the principles and practices of forensic pathology, emphasizing medico-legal investigations. It explains the role of the pathologist in determining cause, manner, and time of death through external examinations, autopsy findings, and toxicology. Key topics include traumatic injuries, asphyxial deaths, sudden natural deaths, and postmortem changes. The content also addresses legal documentation, report writing, and court testimony. Real-life examples and photographic evidence guide learning. It is an essential resource for medical professionals involved in forensic and legal medicine.
Isobel Gardner is a forensic pathologist with broad field and academic experience in medico-legal investigations. Her contributions include teaching forensic pathology procedures and authoring materials on trauma interpretation and cause-of-death assessments. She has served as an expert witness in several high-profile legal cases. Her current research focuses on time-since-death estimation and forensic imaging innovations. She is also deeply committed to forensic education and public outreach.