Clinical Forensic Medicine: History and Development

Abstract

The term “forensic medicine” is now used to embrace all aspects of forensic work of a medical nature. In the past, the term was often used interchangeably with “forensic pathology”-the branch of medicine which investigates death. This is further confounded by the recognition of ‘forensic & legal medicine’ or ‘legal and forensic medicine’ as distinct areas of medical specialty practice. These terms now broadly embrace all aspects of medicine involving justice systems, and can vary around the world. The term “clinical forensic medicine” is however one that can be properly applied to that part of medical practice whose scope involves interaction between the law, the judiciary, and the police involving (generally) living persons.