{"title":"Expert witness evidence in the coroner's court: Distinctions from civil litigation.","authors":"Abeezar I Sarela, Paul Marks","doi":"10.1177/00258172261469711","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261469711","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Healthcare professionals often serve as expert witnesses in coroners' courts and have to provide reports, but the specific requirements have not been clearly articulated. The Chief Coroner's Bench Book advises that expert reports should follow Civil Procedure Rules Part 35, yet the inquisitorial nature of coronial proceedings creates important differences from civil litigation. In keeping with the Coroners and Justice Act, experts must avoid language that implies civil or criminal liability on the part of a named person when opining on standards of care; instead, they should express themselves in neutral terms. Unlike civil litigation, where a 'but for' test applies to proving causation, on balance of probabilities, the coronial threshold requires identification of the acts or omissions that contributed more than minimally, negligibly or trivially to death. Understanding these distinctions is essential to produce reports that are appropriate both in law and in purpose.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261469711"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149239733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muataz A Al-Qazzaz, Saad K Kareem, Hussien Falah Al-Jobori
{"title":"Unrecognised acute appendicitis presenting as sudden unexpected death: A forensic case report.","authors":"Muataz A Al-Qazzaz, Saad K Kareem, Hussien Falah Al-Jobori","doi":"10.1177/00258172261468472","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261468472","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children. While typically presenting with abdominal pain localised to the right iliac fossa, fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, young children may exhibit atypical or delayed manifestations. Failure to recognise these subtle presentations can result in rapid progression to life-threatening complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261468472"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149239772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Coroners and Justice Act of 2009 and the postcode lottery.","authors":"Samrddh Bengeri, Emyr W Benbow","doi":"10.1177/00258172261462769","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261462769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The coroner and inquest system dates back to the 10th century but continues to face criticism and debate. This research evaluates whether the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 has reduced regional disparities - often described as a 'postcode lottery'. Using Ministry of Justice data from 2000 to 2021, we compared 2 periods: 2000-2013 under the Coroners Act 1988, and 2014-2021 under the 2009 Act, alongside data from 10 jurisdictions. Findings show the 2009 Act has not significantly changed reporting rates or the proportion of cases proceeding to inquest. Processing times increased nationwide, and the number of inquests varied inconsistently across regions. While the coronial system remains an essential part of governance it continues to exhibit structural limitations. The 2009 Act acknowledges operational challenges but fails to provide sufficient clarity and consistency, and this contributes to ongoing regional variations and prevents a uniform delivery of coronial services across England and Wales.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261462769"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149239783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Should we be politically canvassing for health?","authors":"Robert Leslie Atenstaedt","doi":"10.1177/00258172261468947","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261468947","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261468947"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149239798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paranavidana Roshel Claude Wijenayaka, Usliyanage Clifford Priyantha Perera, Janaki Warushahennadi
{"title":"Fatal thoracic aortic transection following a motor vehicle collision: Medico-legal significance of the seat belt sign.","authors":"Paranavidana Roshel Claude Wijenayaka, Usliyanage Clifford Priyantha Perera, Janaki Warushahennadi","doi":"10.1177/00258172261462002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261462002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traumatic thoracic aortic transection is one of the most lethal consequences of blunt chest trauma; it is commonly associated with high-speed deceleration injuries in road traffic collisions. Despite advances in trauma management, survival rates remain poor due to rapid internal haemorrhage and the presence of multiple associated injuries. We report a fatal case of thoracic aortic transection in a 50-year-old restrained male driver involved in a high-velocity head-on collision with a truck. Following admission, he presented with hypotension, left-sided flail chest, multiple long bone fractures and reduced consciousness. Although emergency resuscitation was initiated, he developed sudden cardiovascular collapse during radiological evaluation and could not be revived. Medico-legal autopsy revealed a patterned seat belt contusion across the anterior chest wall, multiple rib fractures, extensive mediastinal haemorrhage, left-sided haemothorax and a circumferential full-thickness transection of the proximal descending thoracic aorta distal to the left subclavian artery. Toxicological analysis detected alcohol and morphine. This case highlights the characteristic pathological features of traumatic thoracic aortic injury and emphasises the medico-legal significance of the seat belt sign in identifying severe underlying thoracic trauma and reconstructing fatal motor vehicle collisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261462002"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149172071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammed Ouali, Azeddine Essadi, Awatif Aheri, Badreddine Zarhouni, Rabi'a Benyousef, Jihad Aarab, Elias Numbi, Sara Bougrine, Mohamed Reda Harrandou, Samir Nya
{"title":"Contribution of forensic medical expertise in the analysis of boat propeller injuries: A case report.","authors":"Mohammed Ouali, Azeddine Essadi, Awatif Aheri, Badreddine Zarhouni, Rabi'a Benyousef, Jihad Aarab, Elias Numbi, Sara Bougrine, Mohamed Reda Harrandou, Samir Nya","doi":"10.1177/00258172261460444","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261460444","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Boat propeller injuries are rare and vary in severity. They present specific medico-legal challenges due to their complex injury mechanisms. We report the case of a 19-year-old man who sustained propeller injuries while attempting to migrate across maritime borders. This case review highlights the contribution of forensic expertise in determining traumatic injuries reconstructing their mechanisms, and in assessing the plausibility of the alleged circumstances. The analysis is based on a meticulous assessment of the number, morphology, depth and distribution of the wounds; key elements for reconstructing the traumatic mechanism and informing judicial authorities about the presumed circumstances of the incident in line with established forensic protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261460444"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matteo De Nadai, Federica Attico, Francesco Di Paola, Andrea Verzeletti
{"title":"Putting the pieces together: A case report on human remains identification driven by tattoo recognition.","authors":"Matteo De Nadai, Federica Attico, Francesco Di Paola, Andrea Verzeletti","doi":"10.1177/00258172261460439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261460439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dismemberment is a relatively uncommon phenomenon in forensic pathology; its aim is to hinder identification and facilitate corpse concealment. We present a case of fragmented remains where facial recognition was impossible and fingerprints yielded no matches in law enforcement databases. Identification initially relied on the meticulous documentation of 11 tattoos, recorded after thorough cleansing and anatomical reconstruction of the cadaver. Notably, the perpetrator had attempted to excise or char specific skin areas to hide these marks, further complicating the process. Due to the lack of missing persons reports, police issued a press release detailing the tattoos, which prompted a lead from the public with definitive identification ultimately established through DNA comparison with the victim's biological mother. This case provides an intriguing perspective on the use of tattoos, along with information derived from the vast amounts of personal data on social networks in the identification of unknown corpses.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261460439"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Burking as a cause of homicidal asphyxia: A forensic case report.","authors":"Divayaraj Jadeja, Pradip Rana, Arijit Datta, Dena Mohamed Naguib Abdel Moawed, Darshan Galoria, Parimal Chouhan","doi":"10.1177/00258172261455735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261455735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Burking a rare and distinct form of homicidal asphyxia is when the perpetrator(s) obstruct all the external respiratory orifices while simultaneously applying thoracic compression. It is historically associated with the 19th-century serial killers Burke and Hare. It is a complex form of 'complicated asphyxia' which can present significant diagnostic challenges due to its potential for subtle or overlapping postmortem findings. This report describes the autopsy and forensic investigation of a 35-year-old male victim of a suspected homicide. External examination revealed periorbital ecchymosis, conjunctival petechial haemorrhages and extensive bruising over the chest and abdomen, as well as traumatic injuries to the lips and perioral region. Internal examination confirmed the mechanical nature of death, revealing bilateral rib fractures with associated soft tissue haemorrhage and bilateral traumatic pneumothorax. The cause of death was determined to be from traumatic asphyxia combined with smothering, which was later confirmed by suspect confessions detailing the restraint of the victim and the application of pressure to the chest and mouth. This case highlights the importance of precise anatomical dissection and the incorporation of scene intelligence to distinguish burking from isolated traumatic asphyxia or smothering. Identifying the specific pattern of thoracic and facial injuries in these rare instances is crucial for accurate medico-legal conclusions and to reconstruct violent encounters involving multiple assailants.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261455735"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lokmane Dali Braham, Abderrahmane Kori Yahia, Feriel Hadji, Imane Bekkouche, Dalanda Benchrik, Massinissa Benyagoub, Younes Zebbiche, Djamil Azzouz, Rachid Belhadj
{"title":"Bladder wash as an alternative biological matrix for postmortem toxicology: A critical mini-review.","authors":"Lokmane Dali Braham, Abderrahmane Kori Yahia, Feriel Hadji, Imane Bekkouche, Dalanda Benchrik, Massinissa Benyagoub, Younes Zebbiche, Djamil Azzouz, Rachid Belhadj","doi":"10.1177/00258172261460445","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261460445","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bladder wash has recently emerged as a potential alternative specimen in postmortem toxicology when urine is unavailable due to agonal bladder emptying, trauma, decomposition or other autopsy-related limitations. This critical mini-review evaluates the forensic relevance, analytical performance and practical limitations of bladder wash as a complementary matrix. A targeted literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect, focusing on peer-reviewed studies assessing bladder wash in postmortem toxicological investigations. Current evidence from more than 150 autopsy cases suggests that bladder wash provides high sensitivity for many non-volatile drugs and medications, with concordance rates close to those reported for urine when sensitive LC-MS-based methods are used. However, ethanol and volatile compounds are less reliably detected because of dilution effects. Bladder wash should therefore be considered a qualitative or semi-quantitative complementary matrix, not a substitute for blood or urine, but a useful tool to reduce false-negative investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261460445"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Child sexual homicide and sexual sadism: Autopsy analysis of live encasement followed by survival.","authors":"Sunita Das, Abhimanyu Khutell, Akash Chaudhary, Arzoo Kadian, Manish Kumath, Yogesh Tyagi, Sarvesh Kumar Tandon","doi":"10.1177/00258172261461921","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00258172261461921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report the case of an 8-year-old girl who, having been reported missing, was found while concealed in a bed storage compartment in her neighbour's house. Despite medical intervention she died 13 hours later. Autopsy revealed sexual and physical assault with multiple incised and blunt force injuries, signs of possible restraint, torture and evidence of concealed trauma. Our report discusses the forensic interpretation of findings and the contributory roles of haemorrhagic shock and positional asphyxia. It demonstrates the pivotal function of forensic autopsy in unravelling what occurred in sequence of events. It was a complex medico-legal challenge with the need to record multiple injuries including genital ones. The case required meticulous documentation of all forensic findings and challenges and demonstrates the need for stricter punishments and more informed policy making for effective child protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":35529,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258172261461921"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}