Department of Forensic Medicine

To achieve excellence in teaching, medical research, and medico-legal services.

• To provide quality education to undergraduate medical students
• To produce competent Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) capable of handling medical-legal cases.
• To provide the comprehensive medico-legal service to the community.

• To train medical students in the application of medical knowledge in legal contexts, including criminal law, civil law, and family law.
• To provide expertise in the interpretation of forensic evidence, including postmortem findings, injuries, and death causes.
• To prepare students for responsibilities such as providing expert testimony in courts, and reporting on medico-legal cases.
• To help students understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of healthcare providers in forensic settings.

• Introduction to Forensic Medicine: Overview of forensic science and its importance in the legal system.
• Medico-legal Aspects of Injuries: Identification and classification of injuries, their medico-legal significance, and the implications for criminal cases.
• Death Investigation: Understanding the mechanisms of death (homicide, suicide, accidental death), performing autopsies, and determining the cause of death.
• Forensic Pathology: In-depth study of postmortem procedures, including autopsy techniques, examination of internal organs, and the role of the forensic pathologist.
• Sexual Offenses: Examination of victims of sexual assault, evidence collection, and medico-legal documentation.
• Toxicology: Understanding the effects of poisons and toxins on the human body, including identification of substances through forensic toxicology.
• Forensic Psychiatry: Mental health evaluations in legal contexts, including fitness to stand trial and criminal responsibility assessments.
• Forensic Odontology: Role of dental identification in mass disasters, forensic investigations, and bite marks.
• Legal Procedures and Documentation: The role of medical professionals in the legal process, including preparing medico-legal reports, providing expert testimony, and understanding courtroom procedures.

• Autopsy Training: Students are trained to understand the postmortem process, which includes performing autopsies under the supervision of forensic experts. They learn to identify the cause of death (whether natural, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal) and document the findings accurately.
• Medico-legal Case Documentation: Students learn how to document injuries, evidence, and medical findings in a legally acceptable manner. They are trained in medico-legal report writing.
• Field Visits: Students are taken to morgues, crime scenes, and forensic laboratories to observe real-life investigations and autopsies. They may also attend sessions with law enforcement agencies to see how forensic evidence is used in criminal investigations.
• Case Studies and Courtroom Observation: Students are encouraged to observe and participate in court cases, gaining insight into the role of medical professionals as expert witnesses in legal proceedings.

• Forensic Medicine Lab: The department has dedicated laboratories where students can study medico-legal specimens, toxicological samples, and forensic evidence. The lab is equipped for analysis and experimentation related to forensic science.
• Toxicology Lab: Equipped to perform tests for identifying poisons and drugs in biological samples (blood, urine, stomach contents). Students get exposure to forensic toxicology practices, which is crucial for cases involving poisoning or overdose.
• Pathology and Autopsy Rooms: The department often uses the hospital's pathology and autopsy rooms to demonstrate real-life medico-legal cases. These rooms are equipped to handle postmortem examinations and autopsy procedures.

• The department encourages research in areas related to forensic science, including toxicology, forensic pathology, crime scene investigation, and medico-legal issues.
• Students are encouraged to take part in research projects and publish their findings in national and international journals of forensic medicine. Faculty members also contribute to research, helping advance the understanding of various forensic issues.

• Expert Testimony: One of the key roles of forensic medicine is preparing students to give expert testimony in court. The department trains students to present their findings clearly and effectively when called as witnesses in criminal and civil cases.
• Crime Scene Investigation: Although not directly part of the department’s core, students are often trained to understand the basics of crime scene investigation, including the collection and preservation of forensic evidence (blood, hair, fibers, weapons, etc.) which can be crucial in solving crimes.

• The department often collaborates with law enforcement agencies, judiciary bodies, and other forensic institutions to stay updated on the latest forensic practices and laws.
• Faculty members may work with police departments and legal authorities to offer training, workshops, and seminars on the medico-legal aspects of healthcare.

• The faculty members in the Department of Forensic Medicine are experienced forensic professionals with backgrounds in forensic pathology, toxicology, criminal law, and medical jurisprudence.
• The faculty is actively involved in both teaching and forensic casework. They may also serve as expert witnesses in legal cases, helping to bridge the gap between medicine and law.

• Students are taught about the ethical issues involved in forensic medicine, including the importance of confidentiality, objectivity, and professional conduct while handling medico-legal cases.
• Emphasis is placed on the legal obligations of healthcare providers when dealing with forensic cases, particularly with respect to consent, patient rights, and confidentiality.