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Forensic Medicine in the Modern Era: Principles, Applications, Emerging Technologies, Challenges and Future Directions


Authors : Rohini Dharela; Abhijato Chatterjee; Saarsanth Philem; Davik Chaturvedi; Altamash Nomani; Manraj S. Grover

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5ajfj2k4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep162

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Abstract : Forensic medicine is a discipline within forensic science that focuses on deceased bodies, particularly the time since death, the cause of death, the manner of death, and the mode of death. It further supports investigations by providing detailed information about the incident, including confirmation of the type of weapon used to commit the crime. Its scope goes beyond the customary forensic autopsy and encompasses medicolegal death investigation, clinical examination of living individuals, interpretation of injuries, assessment of sexual assault, forensic toxicology, identification of unknown persons, documentation of abuse, and evaluation of medical evidence for judicial proceedings. In this mini review, we will examine advanced techniques currently used in forensic medicine and how they enhance investigations, making the process easier for the investigating officer. At present, rather than relying solely on conventional approaches, investigators are increasingly adopting newer advancements such as virtual autopsy. Virtual autopsy offers valuable noninvasive documentation and can enhance the detection of skeletal and certain traumatic findings; however, the available evidence does not justify replacing conventional autopsy universally. In this review article, we will discuss all the new techniques that are useful in the field of forensic medicine and can also assist forensic investigations.

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Forensic medicine is a discipline within forensic science that focuses on deceased bodies, particularly the time since death, the cause of death, the manner of death, and the mode of death. It further supports investigations by providing detailed information about the incident, including confirmation of the type of weapon used to commit the crime. Its scope goes beyond the customary forensic autopsy and encompasses medicolegal death investigation, clinical examination of living individuals, interpretation of injuries, assessment of sexual assault, forensic toxicology, identification of unknown persons, documentation of abuse, and evaluation of medical evidence for judicial proceedings. In this mini review, we will examine advanced techniques currently used in forensic medicine and how they enhance investigations, making the process easier for the investigating officer. At present, rather than relying solely on conventional approaches, investigators are increasingly adopting newer advancements such as virtual autopsy. Virtual autopsy offers valuable noninvasive documentation and can enhance the detection of skeletal and certain traumatic findings; however, the available evidence does not justify replacing conventional autopsy universally. In this review article, we will discuss all the new techniques that are useful in the field of forensic medicine and can also assist forensic investigations.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - September - 2026

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