Medicine, science, and the law
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Case Reports
Death of a psychiatric patient during physical restraint. Excited delirium--a case report.
We report the case of a young man with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and multiple drug abuse who died in hospital following a period of prolonged physical restraint. The literature is reviewed, possible factors contributing to death discussed and measures which may reduce the incidence of such deaths in the future highlighted.
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This paper addresses the current medico-legal issues surrounding PVS (Permanent Vegetative State), including: the lack of a unified definition of the acronym PVS, the varying criteria for diagnosis of PVS, and the issue of patients who maintain a minimal degree of consciousness and cannot be categorized as PVS patients. First, we analyse the differing medical definitions and criteria for diagnosis in vegetative conditions. ⋯ However, the manner in which the court treated these patients is the same. Underlying this discussion we hope to demonstrate how medical practice is subject to legal decisions and thus the importance of establishing uniform medical guidelines to assist the non-medical professional.
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An 18-year-old construction worker suddenly collapsed while handling a power-actuated nail gun and died shortly after. A neat, almost circular puncture wound was found on the front of his left chest. No fire-arm residues were detected on the surrounding skin. ⋯ Various medicolegal issues are discussed pertaining to nail-gun injuries. The importance of a visit to the scene, examination of the alleged tool, interrogation of witnesses and the X-ray of the body, all prior to autopsy, are emphasized. The conclusion was: accidental death due to the unusual ricochet of a nail.
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Comparative Study
Differences in forensic pathology practice between Scotland and England.
Scotland and England are part of the United Kingdom but have separate legal systems. These legal differences have a substantial effect on forensic pathology practice, and are probably best appreciated by those pathologists who have worked on both sides of the border. ⋯ It concludes that a knowledge of the Scottish procurator fiscal system of death investigation may be beneficial to those contemplating changes to the coroner system. All three authors have practised forensic pathology in Scotland and England or Wales.