Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
Subject: Forensic Medicine
Review Notes in
FORENSIC MEDICINE
By: Saint Mary’s University
Forensic Medicine is a branch of Legal Medicine
wherein medical science is α‫ק‬plied to elucidate legal
problems. It deals with investigatiөŋ, preparation,
preservation and presentation of evidence and
medical opinion in courts and other legal,
correctional law-enforcement settings. Its application
is not limited only to legal issues but also covers
historical, environmental and socio-political
issues.
Medico-legal Cases:
1. Injuries or deaths involving persons who have no
means of being identified
2. Persons pronounced as “Dead On Arrival” (DOA)
3. Death occurring within 24 hours of admission in a
hospital when the cause of death is unknown or
undeterminable
4. Unexpected sudden death especially when the
deceased was in apparent good health
5. Death due to natural disease with physical
evidence suspicious of foul play
6. Death due to violence, accident, suicide or
poisoning
7. Death due to improper or negligent act of another
person
8. Victims of physical injuries due to:
a. Gunshot wounds, stab wounds, mauling, etc
b. Vehicular accidents
c. Asphyxia (lack of oxygen due to suffocation,
strangulation, hanging, choking, crushing, or
drowning)
d. Electrocution, chemical or thermal insult
e. Accident, “attempted” homicide or suicide
f. Poisoning
9. Cases of Child Abuse, domestic violence, rape,
alcoholism and drug addiction
10. Cases involving mental competency of a person
11. Negligent acts or omissions of hospital staff
resulting in violation of rights of patients or
leading to ones physical and mental
incapacitation, physical injury or death
EVIDENCE
 Evidence is the means, sanctioned by the Rules
of Court, of ascertaining in a judicial proceeding
the truth respecting a matter of fact.
 Medical evidence is the means employed to
prove an act, which is medical in nature.
 Admissibility of evidence- For the evidence to
be relevant, it must have such a relation to the
fact in issue as to induce belief in its existence or
non-existence.
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Types of Medical Evidence:
1. Autoptic / Real Evidence- this is evidence
made known to the senses- vision, hearing,
taste, smell and touch. Examples are:
specimens, cadavers, etc. Limitations of such
evidence:
a. indecency and impropriety
b. repulsive objects and those offensive to
sensibilities
2. Testimonial Evidence- a physician or any
professional / specialist may be called to court
to testify. He may be:
a. Өrdinary Witness- a physician may ße
called to testify on mαtters perceived from
his patient in the course of physiciaή-
pαtient relationship.
b. Expert Witness- a physician on account of
his training and experience can give his
opinion on a set of medical facts.
3. Experimental Evidence- application /
demonstration in court of an experiment / test
to prove / corroborate ones allegation.
4. Documentary Evidence- an instrument on
which is recorded by means of letters, figures,
or marks intended to be used for the purpose of
recording that matter which may be evidentially
used. ♠
5. Physical Evidence- articles and materials,
which are found in connection with the
investigation.
6. Video Evidence- a recording of a medical
procedure- autopsy, clinical session, ward
observation, etc.
Privileged Communication- a physician is not
allowed to disclose those informations to others as
regards to matters he perceived from his patient
during the physician-patient relationship. He cannot
in a civil case reveal any information without the
consent of the patient; information which he may
have acquired in attending to such patient in a
professional capacity, which would blacken the
character of the patient.
Dying Declaration- are considered exemption to the
hearsay rule since they are made in extremis, when
the declarant is at the point of death. For then, the
motive to commit falsehood is improbable and the
inclination is only to speak the truth. To be
admissible, it must be:
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
1. declarant was conscious of his impending
death
2. declaration must be regarding ones
impending death.
3. declarant was in full possession of his mental
faculties when he made the declaration.
4. evidence is presented in court in a case of
homicide, murder or parricide wherein the
declarant was the victim.
ASPECTS ON IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL.
Identification- determination of the individuality of a
person or thing.
Methods of Identification:
1. Ordinary Method
2. Fingerprinting
3. Odontology
4. Handwriting
5. Anthropology
6. DNA
7. Biometrics
1. Ordinary Method- identification is dependent on
the clarity of ones eyesight. It is not as accurate
and authoritative as the other scientific methods.
Identification testimony has 3 components:
a. witnessing a crime involves perception of
an event actually occurring
b. witness must memorize details of the
event
c. witness must be able to recall and
communicate accurately.
Unreliability of a witness testimony arise
from each of these 3 stages. Also, lighting during
the criminal act is important. In broad daylight,
one can see accurately at a distance of 100
yards; in moonlight / starlight, this is limited to 10-
17 yards
2. Fingerprinting -
Basic principles:
a.Chances of 2 individuals to have identical
fingerprints (1:64,000,000,000)
b.Fingerprints are not changeable so long as
the dermis layer of the fingers remain,
fingerprints will remain unchanged and
indestructible.
c. Fingerprints of infants are difficult to
impress due to the secretion of oils of the
fingers.
3. Odontology - study of the structure, health and
growth of teeth
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Subject: Forensic Medicine
Basic principles:
a. possibility of 2 people to have identical
dentition is remote.
b. Tooth has 5 surfaces; an adult has 32
teeth
c. The enamel of the teeth is the hardest
substance of the body; it outlasts all
other tissues of the body during
putrefaction or physical destruction.
d. The more recent the ante-mortem
records of the person to be identified, the
more reliable is the comparative mode of
identification that can be done.
e. Information that can be derived from
study of teeth- occupation, personal
traits, age.
4. Handwriting - Bibliotics- science of handwriting
analysis
5. Anthropology- Data that can be gathered by
examination of bones:
 sex, age, height, weight, race, occupation,
person’s shape / physique, time of death,
right / left handedness, violent death, injuries,
fractures.
 Humans have 206-208 bones; Cats have 244
bones.
6. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
 Present in all cells. It is organized in the
chromosomes in the nucleus and
mitochondria. Taken from saliva, blood,
urine, sweat, semen, vaginal fluid, hair, teeth.
 First applied in the country in the case of Jury
and Ricardo Andal and Edwin Mendoza for
raping 22 year old Nancy Siscar.
 Structure: two chains arranged in a twisted
ladder double helix form.
 With the exception of identical siblings, DNA
of each person is
- unique. A person’s DNA never changes
in ones lifetime. Of
- the 3 billion places in our DNA, each
person has a
- difference at 10 million spots along the
DNA strand. One in
- every 300 spots will be unique. These
unique places are
- called DNA markers and are used in
forensic science to
- identify people.
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
 The condition of DNA samples taken from
cadavers depends
- greatly on the conditions that the cadaver
had been exposed
- to. The more the bacterial and fungal
decomposition that
- has occurred, the less the chance of
obtaining good
- typeable DNA.
 In assessing the probative value of DNA,
courts consider the following:
- How samples were collected
- How samples were handled
- The possibility of contamination of
samples
- The procedure followed in analyzing
the samples
- Proper standards and procedures
followed in conducting the tests
- Qualification of the analyst who
conducted the tests
7. Biometrics - Science of verification of people’s
identities using their unique biological
characteristics. Forms of biometrics: retina scans,
iris scans, face scans, finger or hands print
BLOOD AND BLOOD STAINS IDENTIFICATION
Precipitin Test - determines whether blood is of
human origin or not.
Blood Grouping – types A, B, AB and O
Tests to determine if a stain is blood:
 Benzidine – No longer used. A carcinogen.
 Kastle Mayer test – Uses phenolphthalein.
Reacts with a bright pink color due to hemoglobin
blood.
 Luminol test – Detects invisible blood stains.
Produces a phosphorescent light in the dark
where bloodstains are present.
 Teichman test, Takayama test, Wagenhaar test –
Add specific chemicals to the long-dried blood to
form crystals with hemoglobin derivatives.
ASPECTS Өŋ DEATH
 SOCO Team composition- forensic specialist,
police investigator, fingerprint expert,
photographer, and chemist
 Death - cessation of life
 Cardio-respiratory Death- continuous,
persistent, irreversible cessation of heart action
and breathing.
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Subject: Forensic Medicine
 Brain Death - irreversible cessation of all
functions of the brain, including brainstem.
 Algor Mortis (Cooling of the Body)- rapid fall in
body temperature in the first 2 hours after death.
Generally, the cadaver attains the temperature of
the surroundings in 12 – 15 hours. Factors
affecting cooling:
-medical condition of the body (fever, age,
body structure)
-external factors (clothing, surrounding
temperature)
Muscular Changes in Death (Rigor Mortis)-
a.Primary Flaccidity- occurs 6 – 8 hours after
death. Complete relaxation and softening of the
muscles. Lower jaw falls, eyeball sinks,
urination and defecation
b.Stage of Rigidity- starts 3 – 6 hours after
death and is completed at 12 hours and
remains for 36 – 48 hours. stiffening of muscles
of the body. Face and neck affected first, and
stiffness gradually works down to the body and
legs. Cadaver feels warm not stiff. Not dead
more than 3 hoursWarm & stiff death between
3 & 8 hrs Cold & stiff death between 8 & 36 hrs
Cold & not stiff death more than 36 hrs
(Differentiate from Cadaveric Spasm- occurs
immediately after death, involves only certain
muscle groups, may or may no occur)
c. Secondary Flaccidity- noted about 48 hours
after death. Body becomes soft, no longer stiff.
Softening due to dissolution of muscles.
Signals start of putrefaction/decomposition.
Blood Changes in Death -
a. Cadaveric / Post-Mortem Lividity /
Hypostasis- due to gravity and softening of
muscles, ßlood αccumulates in most
depeήdent portions of the body. Appears αs
early as 3-6 hours after death; becomes fully
established at 12 hours.
Importance:
 may determine whether position of the
body has been changed
 determines duration of death
 may indicate cause of death through
discoloration changes-
bright pink – carbon monoxide poisoning
dark red- strangulation
b. Putrefaction of the Body- noted as early as
48 hours after death
 Blood changes color to greenish-black or
blue
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
 Due to formation of gases- abdominal
distention, protrusion of the eyes,
 face turns black, froth coming out of nose
and mouth, floating of
 the body, expulsion of fetus
 organs liquefy first, followed by muscles
Fast decomposition is noted in infants,
obese, death due to infection, free air
accessibility, presence of moisture, absence
of light, shallow grave, mass grave
Entomology in the Cadaver- study of insects in
relation to the cadaver. Two insects arrive early in the
cadaver:
1. Blow flies - female lays eggs in the cadaver.
After a day, eggs hatch to a larva:
5.0mm larva in 1.8 days
10mm larva in 2.5 days
17mm larva in 4 – 5 days
Pupa stage to adult – 13 days
Egg to adult cycle – 19 days
2. Flesh flies - do not lay eggs, only deposits
larvae.
3. Beetles and moths arrive when the cadaver is
dry exposing the bones; feed on flies and
maggots.
Digestion of Food- digestion ceases after death.
The time of death can be ascertained by looking how
far the food has moved in the intestines. Food begins
to empty the stomach ten minutes after eating. Light
meals take up 2 hours to empty the stomach,
whereas a large meal may require 6 hours.
Property Right over the dead body- in cases of
medicolegal autopsy, the dead belongs to the state
for the protection of public interest until such time as
a complete and thorough investigation into the
circumstances surrounding the death and the cause
thereof can be completed.
Immediate (Primary) Cause of Death- applies to
cases when trauma or disease kill quickly that there
is no opportunity for sequelae or complications to
develop.
Proximate (Secondary) Cause of Death- the injury
or disease was survived for a sufficiently prolonged
interval which permitted the development of serious
sequelae which actually caused the death.
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Subject: Forensic Medicine
Manners of Death:
 Electrocution- at least 1,500 volts of electricity
 Hanging- death due to strangulation, cervical
fracture / dislocation
 Gas chamber- use of cyanide gas or carbon
monoxide
 Lethal injection- use of sodium thiopenthal
(sedative) Pancuronium bromide (muscle
relaxant) Potassium chloride (heart stoppage
drug)
 Euthanasia / Mercy Killing- taking the life of
another person in the belief that it is a
compassionate act because the ill person is
unable to do so.
 Suicide- direct, conscious, intentional act of
self-destruction
 Evidences: history of depression, unresolved
problem or mental disease previous attempts
wounds are located in areas accessible to the
hand and usually solitary.
Disposal of the Dead-
 Embalming- injection of 1.5 to 2 liters of
formalin or perchloride of mercury or arsenic
into the carotids or femoral vessels.
 Burial / Inhumation- grave has a depth of 1½
meters; at least 25 meters distant from any
house; 50 meters away from any water
source.
 Body must be buried within 48 hours after
death, except:
 still a subject of legal investigation
 specifically authorized by local health
authorities
 body is embalmed
 radioactive body (decayed to safe level
first before burial)
PHYSICAL INJURY
1. Tissue reactions to injury- “rubor” / redness,
“calor” / warmth, “dolor” / pain, “function laesa” /
loss of function
2. Mortal Wound- capable of causing death
immediately after infliction
3. Non-mortal wound- wound not capable of
producing death immediately after infliction.
4. Superficial wound- wound involves only the
outer layers of the skin (epidermis)
5. Deep wound- wound involves the inner
structures of the body beyond the skin.
6. Penetrating wound- instrument enters the body
and pierces a solid organ or tissue (liver, spleen,
lungs, brain, kidney}
7. Perforating wound- instruments produces a
communication between the inner and outer
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
portions of hollow organs (intestines, heart,
urinary bladder)
8. Coup injury- injury located at the site of
application of force (ex. Stationary head hits a
moving object)
9. Contre-coup injury- injury is found opposite the
application of force (ex. Moving head hits
stationary object)
10. Coup cөntre-coup injury- injury is located at the
site and also opposite the site of application of
force (ex. Fixed head is hit by moving object and
falls to a stationary object)
11. Extensive injury- injury involving a greater area
of the body beyond the site of application of
force. Usually associated with varied injuries.
12. Defense wounds- injuries sustained by a person
as a result of repelling or avoiding potential injury
contemplated by the aggressor.
13. Patterned wound- wound assuming the shape
of an object or instrument causing it.
14. Self-inflicted wound- wound produced upon
oneself usually with the intention to ending ones
life.
15. Mutilation- an act of looping or cutting off any
part or parts of the body depriving the victim
partially or totally some organ of reproduction.
16. Closed wound- there is no break in the
continuity of the skin or mucous membrane
17. Open wound- injury causing a break in the
continuity of the skin or mucous membrane
18. Stab wound- produced by the penetration of a
sharp-pointed and sharp-edged instrument
19. Puncture wound- wound as a result of a thrust
of a sharp instrument (icepick, needle, thorn,
fang)
20. Abrasion- “gasgas”. Removal of the superficial
layer of the skin as a result of rubbing or friction
of the skin against a rough surface.
21. Contusion- skin discoloration (reddish to bluish-
black) due to the accumulation of blood as a
result of trauma to minute skin blood vessels.
Skin remains flat.
22. Hematoma- a swelling of the skin due to a
collection of blood underneath due to trauma on
blood vessels.
23. Fracture- break in the continuity of the bone.
24. Sprain- partial or complete disruption of a muscle
or its ligaments.
25. Strain- over stretching of a muscle or ligament.
26. Dislocation- displacement of a bone from
its socket or articulating surface.
27. Cerebral Concussion- a violent shaking or
jarring of the head may result to a transient loss
of consciousness, sensory or motor impairment.
28. Whiplash injury- sudden deceleration will cause
severe hyperflexion and hyperextension of the
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Subject: Forensic Medicine
neck resulting to transaction of the spinal cord
usually in the level of 5th and 6th vertebrae of the
spinal column. This may cause paralysis of the
lower portions of the body.
Incised wound vs. Lacerated wound
1. IW - Edges are clean cut, regular and defined.
LW - Edges are roughly cut, irregular & ill-
defined.
2. IW - No swelling or contusion around the
wound. LW - Swelling & contusion around the
wound
3. IW - Wound extremities are sharp. LW - Wound
extremities are ill-defined and irregular
4. IW - Healing is faster. LW - Healing is delayed
5. IW - Hair bulbs are cut. LW - Hair bulbs are
preserved
6. IW - Caused by a sharp-edged instrument. LW -
Caused by a blunt instrument
Evidences showing intent of the offender to kill
the victim:
 presence of more than one stab wound
 wounds located in different parts of the body
 wounds are deep
 wounds are serrated or zigzagged
Complications of Injury / Trauma:
a. Shock- results due to continuous bleeding from
injuries. An adult has an average of 5 liters of
blood in the body. A blood loss of 20% may
result to irreversible blood loss (shock) and
may be fatal.
b. Hemorrhage- loss of blood brought about from
wounds. If continuous and in large volume,
may lead to shock.
c. Infection- the appearance, growth and
development of microorganisms in the site of
injury.
d. Embolism- foreign material introduced in the
blood as a result of trauma causing
blockage of certain vessels in vital parts of the
body.
Healing of wounds- completely healed in 7 days;
this may be earlier (4 days) in the face and neck.
Ante-mortem wouήd vs. Post-mortem wound
1. AW - Bleeding is copious and bright red. PW -
Bleeding is slight or none at all.
2. AW - Spouting of blood. PW - No spouting of
blood
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
3. AW - Clotted blood. PW - Non-clotted blood or
soft clot
4. AW - Deep staining of edges which are not
removed by washing. PW - Edges not deeply
stained; removed by washing
5. AW - Edges gape. PW - Edges do not gape
6. AW - Inflammation & reparative processes
present. PW - Inflammation & reparative process
not present
What wounds indicate?
1. Wounds in concealed portions of the body
generally indicate homicide.
2. Wounds sustained in the back of the victim
indicate treachery
3. Deep cuts on the palm of the hand indicate the
victim may have grabbed the weapon
4. Wounds on the forearm may have been
incurred to ward off an attack or in self-defense
5. If fatal wound was inflicted first, there is
murder; if last, homicide
6. Multiple number generally indicates homicide
or murder
7. Cocking the shotgun before discharging it,
shows a clear intent to fire at someone
8. Defense wounds are generally inflicted first .
Bumper injuries:
a. Injury as low as the ankle, indicates the driver
applied the breaks causing the front of the car
to dip and hitting the pedestrian.
b. In speeds of less than 25 mph, the pedestrian
drops to the ground when the vehicle stops.
c. In speeds of 25 – 30 mph, the pedestrian is
thrown upwards and may land on the vehicle’s
hood. When the vehicle stops, the pedestrian
rolls to the ground incurring other injuries.
d. In speeds 50 – 60 mph, the pedestrian may be
thrown much higher and may land on the trunk
or on the road behind the vehicle in which case
the pedestrian may be hit by another passing
vehicle.
e. If the pedestrian is hit by a truck or bus, the
impact is above the center of gravity (i.e. above
the brim of the pelvis). Thus the pedestrian is
thrown forward, sideward or on the radiator grill
and falls to the ground.
Motorcyclist injuries:
a. Due to sudden deceleration, whiplash injury
may occur.
b. Internal organ injuries may be due to sudden
violent turning of the handlebar.
c. In front and rear collisions, one is likely to be
thrown forward and upward over the top or on
top of the vehicle hit.
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Subject: Forensic Medicine
d. In intersection collusions, the cyclist’s body
moves forward, he is lifted from the
motorcycle’s seat and his head strikes the side
of the vehicle near its roof.
Explosion injuries:
Destructive effects- disruption or
fragmentation of the body, abrasions, lacerations,
peppering, burns, knockdown effect on the victim,
asphyxia/ suffocation due to lack of oxygen in the
surrounding air, injuries from flying missiles or falling
debris, inhalation poisoning (carbon monoxide, nitric
gases, sulfur dioxide, etc)
FIREARM Injuries:
Abrasion / Contusion collar- the pressure
of the bullet on the skin will cause the skin to be
depressed and lacerates the skin. A ‫ק‬perpendicular
approach will produce an even width of the collar. An
acute angle approach will cause an abrasion collar
wider at one end of the wound. Presence of tattooing/
peppering around the wound and blackening of the
margins due to smoke smudging.
Destructive effects- laceration and crushing,
cavitation, shock waves, hydrostatic force (i.e. liquid
contents of the body in the urinary bladder and
intestines (urine, intestinal fluids) are displaced
radially away from the bullet path producing
extensive lacerations); fragmentation or
disintegration of the bullet, fragmentation of hard
brittle object in the trajectory (i.e. bones).
Gunshot Entrance Wound vs. Gunshot Exit
Wound
1. EnW - Smaller than the missile. ExW - Always
Bigger than the missile
2. EnW - Edges are inverted. ExW - Edges are
everted.
3. EnW - Usually round or oval. ExW - No definite
shape
4. EnW - Presence of contusion collar. ExW -
Absence of contusion collar
5. EnW - Tattooing or smudging may be present.
ExW - Always absent.
6. EnW - Underlying tissues are not protruding.
ExW. Underlying tissues may be protruding
7. EnW - Always present. ExW - May be absent
8. EnW - Paraffin test may be positive . ExW -
Paraffin test always negative
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
Some Principles regarding Gunshot Injuries:
1. The higher the caliber of the wounding bullet, the
greater will be the size of the entrance wound.
2. In most cases, the size of the entrance wound is
smaller than the caliber of the wounding bullet
because of retraction of the skin.
3. The exit wound is usually larger than the entrance
wound because of the lack of support beyond the
skin and the velocity of the missile.
4. No burning, smudging or tattooing is seen in
entrance wounds fired from a distance of at least
60cm (2 ft)
5. An exit wound does not show characteristic shape
because of the deformity of the bullet in its
passage to the body. its wobbling and stumbling
movement and fragmentation of the missiles.
6. If the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and
exit found in the body is even, the presumption is
that no bullet is lodged in the body. But if the
number is odd, the presumption is that one or
more bullets might have been lodged in the body.
7. Injuries that cause incapacity to do voluntary acts
are those involving the brain and spinal cord.
Injury to the cerebral hemispheres is as a rule not
immediately fatal, however, a bullet course which
includes the medulla, pons and other vital brain
centers may cause immediate death. (This area is
situated between the ears)
8. Gunshot to the heart as a general rule does not
prevent the victim from running, walking, climbing
stairs or do other forms of volitional acts for death
is not usually instantaneous.
9. Abdominal gunshot injuries are not limited to one
organ but to several organs.
10. Injuries to organs may not be found along the
course of the bullet ( due to shock wave and
hydrostatic force effects)
11. Bullet wounds to the stomach and other hollow
organs are usually small on account of the
contractility of walls.
12. The presence of multiple entrance wounds may
not exclude suicide.
13. In shotgun injuries, at close range (< 4 ft), the
pellets essentially act as one mass, the entrance
wound would be about 1 inch diameter. The
wound cavity wound contains wadding. At
intermediate range (4 – 12 ft), the entrance wound
is 2 inches in diameter and the borders show
individual pellet markings. Wadding may be found
near the wound.
14. In a sequence of fire, the first shot may be
horizontal (victim upright) but subsequent shots
would be oriented down or to the back of the
victim as he falls or flees.
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Subject: Forensic Medicine
Dermal ŋitrite Test- also known as Paraffin test,
Diphenylamine Test, Lung’s Test or Gonzales Test.
May give false positive results when suspect handled
fertilizers, cosmetics, cigarettes, urine and other
nitrogenous compounds.
Өther Methods of Detecting Gunshot Residue:
a. Modified Griess Test- utilizes a chemical
color reaction to distinguish oßscure or faint
gunpowder patterns. Produces orange-red
color indicating presence of nitrites.
b. Dithiooxamide (DTO) Test- determines
characteristics of bullet holes. Determines
presence of copper and cobalt.
c. Sodium Rhodizonate Test- Effectively used
in determining entrance and exit holes.
Utilizes a chemical reaction specific for lead.
CHILD ABUSE - refers to maltreatment, whether
habitual or not, of a child which includes:
a.Psychological or Physical abuse, neglect,
sexual abuse or emotioήαl maltreatment
b.Any act by deeds / words which debases,
degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and
dignity of the child.
c. Unreasonable deprivation of ones basic needs-
food, shelter
d.Failure to immediately give medical treatment
Forms of Child Abuse- child prostitution, sexual
abuse, child trafficking, working children, obscene
publicity and indecent shows
Mauchausen Syndrome by Proxy- parent creates
an emergency situation and attempts to revive /
rescue the child
Doctrine of Parens Patriae- state interferes in
affairs of the child if it so deems for child’s interest
SEX CRIMES:
1. Carnal knowledge- the art of a man in having
sexual bodily connection with a woman. It is not
necessary for the vagina to be entered or that
the hymen be ruptured.
2. Seduction- the act of a man enticing women to
have unlawful intercourse with him by means of
persuasion, solicitation, promises, bribes or
other means without employment of force.
3. Acts of Lasciviousness- acts which tend to
excite lust; conduct which is wanton, lewd,
voluptuous or lewd emotion.
4. Lewd Design- the intent of the abductor to have
sexual intercourse with the woman abducted.
5. Acid Phos‫ק‬hatase Test is conclusive of the
presence of semen.
6. Precipitin test determines whether the semen
is of human origin or not.
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
About the Female Sex Organ:
a. As a general rule, the vaginal canal of a virgin is
tight and the rugosities are sharp and prominent.
The sharpness of these rugosities are
diminished by insertion of foreign bodies,
passage of clotted blood, self-mαήipulation, etc.,
and not by sexual intercourse
b. The condition of both labia is not a reliable basis
in determining virginity; rather it is more related
to the general physical condition of the woman.
A stout woman usually can preserve the plump,
coaptated and firm labia while in a slim woman
usually the gaping labia.
c. Fourchette (a V-shape appearance as the two
labia minora unite posteriorly) has a sharp acute
angle configuration. Its roundness becomes
prominent during frequent stretching apart of the
thighs.
d. Physicians give much attention in the
examination of the hymen in the determination
of virginity. The fact that the hymen is intact
does not prove absence of previous sexual
intercourse and the presence of laceration does
not prove defloration.
e. The determination as to how long the hymen
laceration took place can be approximated by
the changes observed in the lacerated hymen:
24 hours – swelling and fibrin
formation
4 – 10 days – wound healed, edges
coaptated with minimal swelling
2 – 3 wks – wound healed, edges
coaptated, no swelling
f. To prove that there is injury to the hymen is not
imperative for a successful prosecution of a
rapist. Penetration is not necessary for rape to
be consummated. Mere touching of the genital
parts of the victim is considered consummated.
On Sex Crimes:
a. For the consummation of rape, it is not
necessary that there be rupture of the
hymen. It is enough that the labia was
penetrated.
b. The absence of spermatozoon in the vagina
does not negate the commission of rape.
c. The finding of spermatozoa is proof of sexual
intercourse for there is no other way the
spermatozoa can get there unless the victim
had a donor insemination for infertility.
d. A positive result does not definitely imply
that the person is the owner of the semen in
question. A negative result does not mean
anything. Various reasons may explain this:
- the assailant had no sperm
-criminator_budz// Subject: Forensic Medicine
8
Subject: Forensic Medicine
- the assailant may not have ejaculated
inside the vagina
- delayed vaginal examination (most
investigators do not test for its presence
if the incident occurred more than 72
hours earlier)
e. The mere presence of spermatozoa on the
stain shows the presence of spermatic fluid,
but the absence of spermatozoa does not
prove that the stain is not seminal.
f. The presence of one complete, unbroken
spermatozoon is sufficient to make the
conclusion that the stain or fluid is seminal.
g. If the offender is the father of the girl who is
of tender age, it is not necessary that there
are signs that she put up a determined
resistance.
h. The lack of medical examination of the victim
is not an indispensable element in the
prosecution of the crime of rape. Whether or
not it will prosper will depend on the evidence
offered.
i. If the offender is suffering from venereal
disease which is transmitted to the victim
during the criminal act, the crime committed
is rape with physical injuries because
infection in law is a physical injury.
ABORTION: Definition- (Legal) willful killing of the
fetus in the uterus, or violent expulsion of the fetus
from the maternal womb, which results to the death
of the fetus, at any time before term. (Medicine)-
expulsion of the contents of a gravid uterus with an
age of pregnancy of 20 weeks or a weight of 500
grams, a time before the fetus reaches viability (7
months)
1. Missed Abortion-a fertilized ovum destroyed
by hemorrhage usually during the first
trimester of pregnancy.
2. Threatened Abortion- Hemorrhage in the
early stage of pregnancy without dilatation/
opening of the cervix.
3. Inevitable Abortion- Hemorrhage in the
early stage of pregnancy with dilatation /
opening of the cervix.
4. Incomplete Abortion- not the entire product
of conception has been expelled from the
uterus. This usually results to the non-
contraction of the uterus and consequently
uncontrolled bleeding.
5. Complete Abortion- the whole product of
conception has been expelled.
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center
6. Partial Birth Abortion-partial vaginal
delivery of a living fetus before killing the
fetus and completing the delivery thereafter.
7. Spontaneous / Natural Abortion- occurs
without any form of inducement or
intervention.
8. Induced Abortion- occurs with the presence
of some form of inducement or intervention.
9. Criminal Abortion- done without any
therapeutic indication but with criminal intent
10. Therapeutic Abortion- done for medical
reasons when danger exists on the life of the
mother. Medical treatment initiated to help
the mother may have unintended effects on
the fetus.
11. Post-Mortem Abortion- During the stage of
putrefaction, it is possible that the product of
conception in the early stages of pregnancy
can be expelled due to the increasing intra-
uterine pressure brought about by the
increasing quantity of gases within as a result
of decomposition.
A fetus is considered born if: (Family Code on
Natural Persons, Art. 41)
1. it is alive upon delivery
2. it is completely delivered from the mother’s
womb
3. if the fetus had an intra-uterine life of less than
7 months and it lives beyond 24 hours after its
complete delivery from the maternal womb
Stillbirth when a fetus has not breathed or has not
shown any sign of life after being completely born.
Characteristics of the Crime of Infanticide:
1. Often committed by the mother.
2. Almost always committed in the home.
3. The crime scene shows no disturbance, no
witnesses and no noise or outcry.
4. Trauma is minimal.
5. Newly born child was born dead.
Post-Mortem Findings in Infanticide:
1. Presence of marks of physical violence
2. Signs of irritation (swelling, reddish coloring
of the inner surface, minimal bleeding of the
surface) in the mouth or portion of the
alimentary system
3. Lungs may show minute bleeding or signs of
drowning
4. Fracture of the bone(s) in the extremities,
chest or neck
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9
Subject: Forensic Medicine
FAMILY RELATIӨNS
 Legitimate children- those born in lawful
wedlock or within 300 days after the dissolution
of marriage provided there be no physical
impossibility of the husband having access to the
wife within the first 120 days of the 300 days
preceded the birth of the child.
 Illegitimate children- those who were born out
of lawful wedlock or after a competent time after
its dissolution.
Essential Requisites of Marriage:
1. Male and a female at least 18 years of age
2. Consent freely given in the presence of
solemnizing officer(Note: a defect in these
essential requisites shall render the marriage
voidable i.e. the marriage is valid until annulled
and all offsprings will be considered legitimate)
Formal Requisites of Marriage:
1. Authority of solemnizing officer
2. Valid marriage license
3. Marriage ceremony where contracting parties
must appear personally before the
solemnizing officer (Note: an irregularity in
these formal requisites shall not affect the
marriage validity but both parties can be
made civilly, criminally and administratively
liable)
Impotency- inability to have sexual intercourse;
inability of the male organ to copulate
(no erection, no ejaculation)
Sterility- inability to procreate.
BATTERED WOMEN SYNDROME:
2 Components-
1. Cycle Theory of Violence
a. Tension Building Period- abuser’s
personality changes (jealous,
temperamental, blames others); abuser may
limit spouse’s activities. Abuser dependent
on chemical substances.
b. Explosion / Acute Battering Period-
physical injuries sustained by spouse and
probably children.
c. Loving Contrition Period- Honeymoon
phase. Woman tends to be the peacemaker
in the relationship. She realizes the adverse
economic consequences if she leaves.
 Saint Mary’s University_Criminology Review Center 10
Subject: Forensic Medicine

2. Theory of Learned Hopelessness - Woman Poisoning

feels resigned to the situation which is beyond
her control. Woman may resort to injurious Certain breath odors can be associated with drugs/
situations to defend herself. Woman must be chemical substances:
shown to have gone through the cycle at least
twice for this syndrome to exist.  Bitter almonds – cyanide
 Fruity odor – Diabetic ketoacidosis, isopropyl
Psychological Stages: alcohol
a. Deήiαl- woman refuses to admit there is a  Oil of wintergreen – Methylsalicylate
problem in her marriage.
 Rotten egg – Sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide
b. Guilt- woman acknowledges there is a
 Pears – Chloral hydrate
problem, but considers herself responsible
for it.  Garlic – Arsenic, Organophosphates,
c. Enlightenment- woman no longer assumes Dimethyl Sulfoxide
responsibility for husband’s treatment. She  Mothballs - Camphor
stays with husband hoping they can work
things out.
d. Responsibility- woman realizes husband
will not or cannot stop his violent behavior.
She decides she will no longer submit to it
and starts a new life.

ALCOHOLISM

Blood Alcohol Levels:

 Less than 5 mg% - Not under the influence of

alcohol
 5 – 10 mg% - Not intoxicated
 10 – 20 mg% - Possibly intoxicated; stage of
excitement; physical well-being
 50 mg% - Talkativeness; argumentative; eyeball
congestion
 100 mg% - Intoxicated; unfit to drive; loss of
critical judgment
 150 mg% - Stage of incoordination
 150 – 300 mg%. Walking is impossible; mental
confusion; slurred speech
 300 mg% - Coma or stage of narcosis; slow
breathing
 400 mg% - Death may occur

-criminator_budz// Subject: Forensic Medicine