forensic medicine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Forensic medicine is a subset of forensic science. Forensic medicine specifically applies medical knowledge (e.g., pathology, toxicology) to legal questions. Forensic science is the broader umbrella, including DNA analysis, ballistics, fingerprinting, and digital forensics.

Primarily doctors who have specialised further, such as forensic pathologists (who perform autopsies) and, in some contexts, clinical forensic physicians (who examine living victims of assault). They are often employed by government agencies like a Medical Examiner's Office or as university professors.

No. While death investigation (autopsy) is a major part, forensic medicine also involves examining living persons for evidence of assault, rape, or intoxication, and can address issues like medical malpractice or determining the cause of an industrial disease for compensation claims.

For the core roles (e.g., performing autopsies, giving medical expert testimony), yes, a medical degree (MBBS/MD) and specialist postgraduate training are required. However, supporting roles (e.g., forensic technicians, toxicologists) may have backgrounds in other sciences.

The branch of medicine that applies medical knowledge to legal problems, particularly in determining causes of death, injury, or disease for legal proceedings.

Forensic medicine is usually formal, academic, technical in register.

Forensic medicine: in British English it is pronounced /fəˈrɛn.zɪk ˈmɛd.sən/, and in American English it is pronounced /fəˈrɛn.sɪk ˈmɛd.ɪ.sɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.