Medicine, science, and the law
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A study in Canada of the accidental death rate from firearms, and of suicide and homicide rates by firearms and by all other methods, for the period 1975-85, indicated that the rates were positively associated with one another. The results were interpreted using a subcultural theory of violence, and the social policy implications of the results were discussed.
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This paper describes some recent research on forensic diversion services and the application of such services in Birmingham, UK. Key components include the diversion scheme in court, diversion at point of arrest, and the remand prison liaison scheme. Various community facilities, such as a specialized bail hostel and landlady schemes to which offenders are possibly referred, are also briefly described. We advocate the need for further research in order to examine the effectiveness of the services in Birmingham.
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This article concerns the law and procedure governing the production and disclosure to an accused of medical and therapeutic records in the hands of third parties, not part of the Crown's case against the accused. Following a brief analysis of the medico-legal issues involved, this article examines recent statutory changes regarding involuntary disclosure to an accused by third parties of private records in their possession.
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In his or her life-long career, the physician will eventually encounter a patient with factitious disorder, or Munchausen's syndrome. We discuss two patients complaining of renal colic that were identified as having Munchausen's syndrome. We review the literature to identify certain aspects of the disease and to discuss the medical and legal implications for the treating physician and hospital.
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Rubber and plastic ammunition was used by the Israeli Defence Forces between the years 1987 and 1993 (Intifada) almost exclusively as a deterrent to aggression by the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied territories of Gaza, Judea and Samaria. While designed to avoid the serious wounds and deaths caused by the use of conventional military ammunition, the firing of rubber and plastic bullets has resulted in extensive injuries and more than 20 deaths. The data from the autopsies of 17 of these victims, mostly teenagers, were analysed. ⋯ In most instances, the cause of death was related to injuries to the brain. Ballistic features of non-conventional bullets are discussed, and suggestions to curtail the serious injuries and fatalities arising from their use are given, with emphasis on firing from a safe range. British and South African experience with this type of ammunition is compared with our observations.