Historical Events (History of Forensic Autopsy)

Medical Expert

characterized function is assisting the judiciary by impartial interpretation and opinion based on specialized knowledge

Justinian Enactments

occurred during 529 - 564 A.D and is regarded as the highest point of achievement in forensic medicine in the ancient world. provided for the regulation of the practice of medicine, required proof of competence utilizing examination, impose penalties for malpractice

Caroline Code

numerically identified as 1553, required expert medical testimony to guide judges in cases of murder, wounding, poisoning, hanging, drowning, infanticide, abortion, and other circumstances involving injury to a person

1803

Chair of Forensic Medicine was established at the University of Edinburgh

1635 in Plymouth Colony

first recorded coroner’s inquest occurred in  America at this time

1877

‘medical examiners’ replaced Coroners in Massachusetts; this was the first known official use of the term medical examiner

1918

NYC established the first true medical examiner system in 1918, replacing the coroner’s office

1939

Maryland established the first state medical examiner’s office

1966

The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) was established

Egypt

one of the first civilizations to apply forensic practices, priests in this civilization often served as both physicians and lawyers

Ancient Greek

developed a system of medicine based on the balance of four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow biles, and black bile) and function of internal organs was thought to be limited to the production and circulation of these various humors

Third Century BC

human dissection was allowed with official approval in Alexandria for the study of normal anatomy and disease

Early Greek Physicians

performed systematic dissections on prisoners provided by the Royal Jail

4th - 10th centuries

 reports from during this time indicate that autopsies were being performed on the corpses of criminals

Late Middle Ages

the first recorded autopsies were performed chiefly to identify causes of suspicious deaths

Renaissance

during this time, the predominant purpose of an autopsy was for anatomic dissection and academic purposes

1194

in England, this is when Coroners were formalized, provided for Custos placitorum coronae

Custos Placitorum Coronae

keepers of pleas of the Crown, otherwise known as coroners

Coroners

in the middle ages and renaissance duties of this profession included holding inquests, valuing objects for taxation, obtaining arrest warrants, and ensuring that potential murderers were investigated

1266 - 1275

human dissections during this time in italy were probable medical legal nature 

1301

a judge in Bologna ordered the autopsy of nobleman who had died under suspicious circumstances

Bamberg Code

numerically identified as 1507, authorized the opening of bodies to examine theft and damage caused by wounds

1603-1868

Edo period in Japan where coroner investigations were mandatory for cases involving death and unusual incidents

1636

the role of coroner in America transitioned from an appointed to an elected position

1860

Maryland law enabled the coroner to require the presence of a physician at the inquests