Forensic Toxicology Blog
Evidence-based articles about toxicology, expert testimony, legal developments, alcohol, drugs, and forensic testing.
What Exoneration Case Reviews Can Reveal About Forensic Errors
A 2003 workshop account of exoneration case review in medicolegal death investigation.
What Happens Between a Death Report and Case Acceptance
A historical workshop account of case intake in medicolegal death investigation.
How a National Needs Assessment Informed Early Death Scene Guidance
A historical account of needs assessment and scene guidance from the 2003 Institute of Medicine workshop.
Why a Death Investigation May Involve Two Offices
A historical account of referring office and examining office from the 2003 Institute of Medicine workshop.
Why Death Investigation Records Can Vary by Jurisdiction
A 2003 Institute of Medicine workshop offers context for state framework and local administration in death investigation.
Why Scene Photographs Record Body Position Before Examination
Saukko and Knight describe photographing the body in its original position before closer examination.
Why Overlapping Anatomy Can Hide a Finding on an X-ray
A radiograph records structures along a line of sight.
Why a Brain Examination May Add Findings After the Initial Autopsy
Saukko and Knight describe how fixation firms brain tissue and helps preserve its microscopic structure.
How a Patterned Abrasion Can Inform a Surface Comparison
A surface can leave a recognizable pattern on the skin.
How a Healed Fracture Can Help Establish Identity
A healed fracture can leave a feature that an examiner can compare with records made during life.
Why Clothing Belongs in a Body Temperature Record
Saukko and Knight describe clothing and coverings as factors that affect heat exchange after death.
How Decomposition Can Produce Blisters and Skin Slippage
Blisters and areas of loose skin can develop during decomposition.
