Graduate Clinical Forensic Sciences - Sharp Force and Defensive Injuries

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to sharp force and defensive injuries as discussed in the clinical forensic sciences lecture, focusing on definitions, characteristics, and forensic analysis.

Defensive Wounds

Injuries typically found on palms, fingers, and forearms indicating an attempt to protect oneself.

Hesitation Wound

A superficial, tentative cut seen near a fatal wound, suggesting uncertainty by the attacker.

Incised Wound Edge

Typically smooth and sharply demarcated, distinguishing it from other wound types.

Stab Wound Depth Exceeding Blade Length

Can occur due to tissue compression during stabbing or skin retraction.

Parallel Hesitation Marks

Indicate possible suicide; if accompanied by a deep fatal wound, suggest homicide.

Incised vs. Stab Wound

Incised wounds have length exceeding depth, while stab wounds have depth exceeding length.

Homicidal Stabbings

Often present with defensive wounds on the hands and forearms.

Wound Width Influencing Factors

Primarily influenced by knife sharpness, blade thickness, and skin tension.

Serrated Knife Blade Effects

Most likely produce ragged or toothed wound margins.

Absence of Defensive Wounds

May suggest the victim was incapacitated or asleep during the attack.

Sharp Force Wound Measurements

Correct documentation sequence at autopsy: Length → Width → Depth.

Unexplained Depth Discrepancy

May result from body dynamics during injury; indicates compression beyond blade length.

Multiple Stab Wounds Analysis

Variation in angles suggests struggle or multiple attacks; no hesitation marks indicate intent.

Classification of Sharp Force Wound

A clean-cut wound with margins and no tissue bridging indicates an incised rather than lacerated injury.