The Malpractice of Forensic Pathology in the Criminal Justice System
Forensic Pathology is a branch of forensics that specializes in the examination of a corpse in order to discover possible cause(s) of death. A medical examiner or coroner can perform the autopsy; many autopsies are done during or for an investigation taking place in the criminal justice system.
The autopsies are requested for scientific evidence to be presented in cases to determine the truth behind accusations and testimonies. Scientific evidence is often presented by the medical examiner or coroner, which performed the autopsy, as an expert witness. The professional is sworn in and is expected to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, that is not always the case. …show more content…
Forensic pathologists that are chosen or given the task of assisting in an investigation are expected to maintain their professionalism at all times. In some cases, this proves to be untrue. There are a few instances where pathologists have been involved in malpractice or, more commonly, withholding evidence.
In the case of Sally Clark in the United Kingdom, both forms were present. Mrs. Clark was convicted of the murder of her two infant sons, Harry and Christopher. She remained in prison for three years before her conviction was overruled. During her investigation, Dr.Williams was given the task to perform post-mortem examinations on the infants to determine cause of death (Bacon, 2003).
In his first examination he concluded that Christopher died of natural causes due to an infection, and that Harry died due to shaking, but then later changed his mind and reported that it was due to smothering. Dr. Williams report however was said to have wrongly implied that there was no evidence of death in Harry by natural causes. Malpractice and wrong doing is not only found in the withholding of evidence but also in bias that is present in forensic science (Dryer,
Forensic Pathology is a branch of forensics that specializes in the examination of a corpse in order to discover possible cause(s) of death. A medical examiner or coroner can perform the autopsy; many autopsies are done during or for an investigation taking place in the criminal justice system.
The autopsies are requested for scientific evidence to be presented in cases to determine the truth behind accusations and testimonies. Scientific evidence is often presented by the medical examiner or coroner, which performed the autopsy, as an expert witness. The professional is sworn in and is expected to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, that is not always the case. …show more content…
Forensic pathologists that are chosen or given the task of assisting in an investigation are expected to maintain their professionalism at all times. In some cases, this proves to be untrue. There are a few instances where pathologists have been involved in malpractice or, more commonly, withholding evidence.
In the case of Sally Clark in the United Kingdom, both forms were present. Mrs. Clark was convicted of the murder of her two infant sons, Harry and Christopher. She remained in prison for three years before her conviction was overruled. During her investigation, Dr.Williams was given the task to perform post-mortem examinations on the infants to determine cause of death (Bacon, 2003).
In his first examination he concluded that Christopher died of natural causes due to an infection, and that Harry died due to shaking, but then later changed his mind and reported that it was due to smothering. Dr. Williams report however was said to have wrongly implied that there was no evidence of death in Harry by natural causes. Malpractice and wrong doing is not only found in the withholding of evidence but also in bias that is present in forensic science (Dryer,