SPECIALIZED CRIME
INVESTIGATION 1 WITH
LEGAL MEDICINE
SPECIAL CRIME
INVESTIGATION
 Special Crime Investigation deals
with the study of major crimes
based on the application of special
investigative technique.
 The study concentrates more on
physical evidence, its collection,
handling, identification and
preservation in coordination with
the crime laboratory
 Special Crime Investigation
involves a close relationship
between the prober in the field and
the crime laboratory technician.
They work together as a team,
reacting to and extending one
another’s theories and findings
both working patiently and
thoroughly to solve a crime from
their investigative discoveries.
 The present criminal justice system
in our country, the court relies
more on physical evidence rather
than extra-judicial confession.
PHASES OF SPECIAL CRIME
INVESTIGATION
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
- It is an action taken by the first
responder who arrive the crime scene
after detection or report of said crime.
- It serves as foundation for the case.
IN- DEPTH INVESTIGATION
- It is the re-examination of all leads
secured during preliminary
investigation
FINAL INVESTIGATION
- It is the final phase of investigation.
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
 Homicide Investigation is the
official inquiry made by the police
on the facts and circumstances
surrounding the death of a person
which is expected to be unlawful.
PRIMARY JOB OF THE INVESTIGATOR
1. To discover whether an offence has been
committed under the law.
2. To discover how it was committed
3. Who committed it and by whom it was committed
4. When it was committed
5. And under certain circumstances why it was
committed
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A HOMICIDE
INVESTIGATOR
1. When called upon to investigate violent death, he
stands on the dead man’s shoes to produce his
instincts against those suspects.
2. The enthusiasm and intelligence the investigator
brings in the case marks the difference between a
murderer being convicted and set free.
3. If he interprets a criminal death accidental or
natural, a guilty person is set free.
4. Remember that the police is the first line of defence
in the effective application of criminal justice.
MISTAKES IN THE HOMICIDE
INVESTIGATION
 The mistakes of the homicide investigator cannot
be corrected.
 The homicide investigator should not cross the
three bridges which he burns behind him. It is
important that competent personnel adequately
handle the case.
Three Bridges (MEC RULE)
 The dead person has been moved
 The cadaver is embalmed
 The body is burned or cremated
Basic Guide for the Investigator to look upon is to
establish the following:
1. Corpus delicti or facts that crime was committed
2. Method of operation of the suspect
3. Identity of the guilty party
THE FOUR TYPES OF DEATH ARE:
 NATURAL
 ACCIDENTAL NONCRIMINAL
 SUICIDE
 HOMICIDE: NONCRIMINAL OR CRIMINAL
NATURAL CAUSES
 Natural causes of death include
heart attacks, strokes, fatal
diseases, pneumonia, sudden crib
deaths and old age.
*FELONY
*OFFENSE
*MISDEMEANOR/INFRACTION
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON
(Destruction of Life)

ACCIDENTAL DEATHS ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE

Parricide is committed when:
 Among the causes of accidental 1. A person is killed
death are falling; drowning; 2. The deceased is killed by the accused
unintentionally taking too many 3. The deceased is the father, mother, or child,
pills or ingesting a poisonous whether legitimate or illegitimate; a legitimate
substance; entanglement in other than ascendant or descendant; or legitimate
industrial or farm machinery; or spouse of the accused. (People v. Malabago, G.R.
involvement in an automobile, boat, No. 115686, December 2, 1992)
train, bus or plane crash.
Parricide is based on the relationship of the offender
SUICIDE and the offended
 Legitimate except in case of parent and child where
 The intentional taking of one’s own relationship may either be legitimate or illegitimate.
life.  In the Direct line or between ascendants and
descendants. There is no parricide in the killing of
HOMICIDE brothers and sisters because the relationship is
collateral.
 Occurs when one human being  By Blood except for spouse. Thus, there is no
causes the death of another human parricide in the killing between adopter and
being. adopted, or between step- parent and step child
 Is another term for the killing of because the relationship is not by blood.
one person by another.
Notes:
1. The relationship of the offender with the victim is
TERMS CONNECTED WITH the essential element of the felony
HOMICIDE
2. Parents and children are not included in the term
KILLNG OF: “ascendants” or “descendants”
 SORORICIDE - sister
 FRATRICIDE - brother 3. The other ascendant or descendant must be
 MATRICIDE - mother legitimate. On the other hand, the father, mother or
 PATRICIDE - father child may be legitimate or illegitimate.
PARRICIDE – relatives such as parents,
spouse, child. A generic term * If the offender and the offended party, although
 INFANTICIDE – less than 3 days related by blood and in the direct line, are separated by
old an intervening illegitimate relationship, parricide can
 SUICIDE – taking ones own life no longer be committed.
voluntarily or intentionally The illegitimate relationship between the child
 UXORICIDE - wife and the parent renders all relatives after the child in the
 REGICIDE - king direct line to be illegitimate too.
 VATICIDE - prophet
 ABORTICIDE – fetus * The only illegitimate relationship that can
 EUTHANASIA – mercy killing bring about parricide is that between parents and
illegitimate children as the offender and the offended
CRIME parties.

 Is defined as an act committed or
omitted violation of a public law
forbidding or commanding it.
 It is also defined as an act that
violates the law of nation.
4. The child should not be less than 3 days old.
Otherwise, the offense is infanticide
* That the mother killed her child in order to conceal
her dishonor is not mitigating. This is immaterial to the
crime of parricide, unlike in the case of infanticide. If
the child is less than three days old
when killed, the crime is infanticide and
intent to conceal her dishonour is
considered mitigating.
5. Relationship must be alleged.
- In killing a spouse, there must be a
valid subsisting marriage at the time of
the killing. Also, the information
should allege the fact of such valid
marriage between the accused and the
victim.
In a ruling by the Supreme Court, it was
held that if the information did not
allege that the accused was legally
married to the victim, he could not be
convicted of parricide even if the
marriage was established during the trial.
In such cases, relationship shall be
appreciated as generic aggravating
circumstance.
The Supreme Court has also ruled that
Muslim husbands with several wives
can be convicted of parricide only in
case the first wife is killed. There is no
parricide if the other wives are killed
although their marriage is recognized as
valid. This is so because a Catholic man
can commit the crime only once. If a
Muslim husband could commit this
crime more than once, in effect, he is
being punished for the marriage which
the law itself authorized him to contract.
6. A stranger who cooperates in
committing parricide is liable for
murder or homicide.
- Since parricide is a crime of
relationship, if a stranger conspired in
the commission of the crime, he cannot
be held liable for parricide. His
participation would make him liable for
murder or for homicide, as the case may
be. The rule of conspiracy that the act
of one is the act of all does not apply
here because of the personal
relationship of the offender to the
offended party.
7. Even if the offender did not know
that the person he had killed is his son,
he is still liable for parricide because the
law does not require knowledge of the
relationship
* Article 365 expressly provides that parricide can be
committed through reckless imprudence. The penalty
will not be under Article 246 but under Article 365.
ARTICLE 247. Death or Physical Injuries
Inflicted under Exceptional Circumstances
A legally married person or parent surprises his
spouse or daughter (the latter must be under 18 and
living with them) in the act of committing sexual
intercourse with another person
He/she kills any or both of them or inflicts upon any
or both of them any serious physical injury in the act
or immediately thereafter.
Notes:
*1. Article does not define or penalize a felony.
* Article 247, far from defining a felony merely
grants a privilege or benefit, more of an exempting
circumstance as the penalty is intended more for the
protection of the accused than a punishment. Death
under exceptional character can not be qualified by
either aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
* If the accused fails to establish the
circumstances called for in Article 247, he/she will be
guilty of Parricide and Murder or Homicide if the
victims were killed.
2. Not necessary that the parent be legitimate
3. Article applies only when the daughter is single
4. Art 247 is applicable when the accused did not see his
spouse in the act sexual intercourse with another person.
However, it is enough that circumstances reasonably
show that the carnal act is being committed or has been
committed.
* It is not necessary that the spouse actually saw
the sexual intercourse being committed. It is enough
that he/she surprised them under such circumstances
that no other reasonable conclusion can be inferred but
that a carnal act was being performed or has just been
committed.
5. Sexual intercourse does not include preparatory acts
6. IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER: means that the
discovery, escape, pursuit and the killing must all form
parts of one continuous act.
7. No criminal liability is incurred when less serious or
slight physical injuries are inflicted. Moreover, in case
third persons caught in the crossfire suffer physical
injuries, the accused is not liable. The principle that one
is liable for the consequences of his felonious act is not
applicable because he is not committing a felony
- A person who acts under Article 247 is
not committing a crime. Since this is
merely an exempting circumstance, the
accused must first be charged with:
(1) Parricide – if the spouse is killed;
(2) Murder or homicide – depending on
how the killing was done insofar as the
paramour or the mistress is concerned;
(3) Homicide – through simple
negligence, if a third party is killed;
(4) Physical injuries – through
recklessimprudence, if a third party is
injured.
 If death results or the physical
injuries are serious, there is
criminal liability although the
penalty is only destierro. The
banishment is intended more for
the protection of the offender
rather than a penalty.
 If the crime committed is less
serious physical injuries or slight
physical injuries, there is no
criminal liability.
ARTICLE 248 - MURDER
Murder is the killing of another
attended by a qualifying
circumstances
A.) That the killing was attended by
any of the following qualifying
circumstances
1. with treachery, taking advantage of
superior strength, with the aid of armed
men, or employing means to weaken the
defense or of means or persons to insure
or afford impunity
2. In consideration of price, reward or
promise
3. by means of inundation, fire, poison,
explosion, shipwreck, stranding of
vessel, derailment or assault upon a
street car or locomotive, fall of airship,
by means of motor vehicles or with the
use of any other means involving great
waste or ruin.
4. on occasion of any of the calamities
enumerated in the preceding paragraph,
or of an earthquake, eruption of a
volcano, destructive cyclone, epidemic
or any other public calamity.
5. with evident premeditation.
6. with cruelty, by deliberately and inhumanely
augmenting the suffering of the victim or outraging or
scoffing at his person or corpse .
 The following are holdings of the Supreme Court
with respect to the crime of murder:
1. Killing of a child of tender age is murder qualified
by treachery because the weakness of the child due
to his tender age results in the absence of any
danger to the aggressor.
2. Evident premeditation is absorbed in price, reward
or promise, if without the premeditation the
inductor would not have induced the other to
commit the act but not as regards the one induced.
3. Treachery is inherent in poison.
4. Where one of the accused, who were charged with
murder, was the wife of the deceased but here
relationship to the deceased was not alleged in the
information, she also should be convicted of murder
but the relationship should be appreciated as
aggravating.
5. Killing of the victims hit by hand grenade thrown at
them is murder qualified by explosion not by
treachery.
Article 255. INFANTICIDE
Committed by any person who shall kill any child less
than three days of age (less than 72 hours).
 When the offender is the father, mother or
legitimate ascendant, he shall suffer the penalty
prescribed for parricide. If the offender is any other
person, the penalty is that for murder. In either case,
the proper qualification for the offense is
infanticide.
 Even if the killer is the mother or the father or the
legitimate grandparents, the crime is still
Infanticide and not Parricide. The penalty however,
is that for Parricide.
ARTICLE 249 - HOMICIDE
Homicide is the killing of any person which
does not constitute parricide, murder or infanticide and
is not attended by any justifying circumstance
Notes:
 Homicide is the unlawful killing of a person not
constituting murder, parricide or infanticide.
 Intent to kill is conclusively presumed when death
resulted. Hence, evidence of intent to kill is
required only in attempted or frustrated homicide
 Distinction between homicide and physical injuries:
 In attempted or frustrated homicide, there is intent
to kill.
 In physical injuries, there is none.
However, if as a result of the
physical injuries inflicted, the
victim died, the crime will be
homicide because the law punishes
the result, and not the intent of the
act.
LEGAL MEDICINE
Is a branch of medicine which
deals with the application of medical
knowledge to the purposes of law and in
the administration of justice. It is the
application of basic and clinical,
medical and paramedical sciences to
elucidate legal matters.
It is the application of basic and
clinical, medical and paramedical
sciences to elucidate legal matters.
Originally the terms legal
medicine, forensic medicine and
medical jurisprudence are synonymous
and in common practice are used
interchangeably. This concept prevailed
among countries under the Anglo-
American influence.
The concept and practice of
legal medicine in the Philippines is of
Spanish origin.
In modern times, especially in
continental European countries, legal
medicine has a similar meaning as the
term forensic medicine, although,
strictly speaking, legal medicine is
primarily the application of medicine to
legal cases while forensic medicine
concerns with the application of
medical science to elucidate legal
problems.
On the other hand, medical
jurisprudence (j'uris-law, prudentia-
knowledge) denotes knowledge"of law
in relation to the practice of medicine.
It concerns with the study of the rights,
duties and obligations of a medical
practitioner with particular reference to
those arising from doctor-patient
relationship.
A physician who specializes or
is involved primarily with medico legal
duties is known as medical jurist,
(meoical examiner, medico legal officer,
medico-legal expert)
DISTINCTION BETWEEN AN ORDINARY
PHYSICIAN AND A MEDICAL JURIST:
1. An ordinary physician sees an injury or disease on
the point of view of treatment, while a medico-
jurist sees injury or disease on the point of view of
cause.
2. The purpose of an ordinary physician examining a
patient is to arrive at a definite diagnosis so that
appropriate treatment can be instituted, while the
purpose of the medical jurist in examining a patient
is to include those bodily lesions in his report and
testify before the court or before an investigative
body; thus giving justice to whom it is due.
3. Minor or trivial injuries are usually ignored by an
ordinary clinician inasmuch as they do not require
usual treatment. Superficial abrasions, small
contusion and other minor injuries will heal
without medication. However, a medical jurist must
record all bodily injuries even if they are small or
minor because these injuries may be proofs to
qualify the crime or to justify the act.
OTHER DEFINITIONS
Law
Is a rule of conduct, just, obligatory, laid by legitimate
power for common observance and benefit.
Characteristics of Law:
a. It is a rule of conduct;
b. It is dictated by legitimate power; and
c. Compulsory and obligatory to all (Civil Code by
Padilla)
Forms of Law:
a. Written or Statutory Law (Lex Scripta):
This is composed of laws which are produced
by the country's legislations and which are defined,
codified and incorporated by the law-making body.
Example: Laws of the Philippines,
b . Unwritten or Common Law (Lex non Scripta):
This is composed of the unwritten laws based on
immemorial customs and usages. It is sometimes
referred to as case law, common law, jurisprudence or
customary law. Example: Laws of England
Forensic
 It denotes anything belonging to the court of law or
used in court or legal proceedings or something
fitted for legal or public argumentations (Black's
Law Dictionary, 4th ed.)
Medicine
 Medicine is a science and art dealing with
prevention, cure and
 alleviation of disease. It is that part
of science and art of restoring and
preserving health.
Legal
 Legal is that which pertains to law,
arising out of, by virtue of or
included in law. It also refers to
anything conformable to the letters
or rules of law as it is administered
by the court.
Jurisprudence
 It is a practical science which
investigates the nature, origin,
development and functions of law.
It is a science of giving a wise
interpretation of the law and
making just application of them to
all cases as they arise
PRINCIPLE OF STARE DECISIS
 A principle that, when the court has
once laid down a principle of law
or interpretation as applied to a
certain state of facts, it will adhere
to and apply to all future cases
where the facts are substantially
the same.
BRIEF HISTORY OF LEGAL
MEDICINE
IN WORLDWIDE SCALE:
The earliest recorded medico-
legal expert was Imhotep (2980 B.C.).
He was the chief physician and architect
of King Zoser of the third dynasty in
Egypt and the builder of the first
pyramid. That time was the first
recorded report of a murder trial written
on clay tablet.
The Code of Hammurabi, the
oldest code of law (2200 B.C.) included
legislation on adultery, rape, divorce,
incest, abortion and violence.
Hippocrates (460-355 B.C.) in
Greece discussed the lethality of
wounds. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) fixed
animation of fetus at the 40th day after
conception.
That bodies of all women dying
during confinement should
immediately be opened in order to save
the child's life was promulgated during
the reign of Numa Pompilius in Rome (600 B.C.)
The first "police surgeon" or forensic
pathologist was Antistius. Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.)
was murdered and his body was exposed in the forum
and Antistius performed the autopsy. He found out that
Julius Caesar suffered from twenty-three wounds and
only one penetrated the chest cavity through the space
between the first and second ribs.
Justinian (483-565 A.D.), in his Digest, made
mention that a physician is not an ordinary witness and
that a physician gives judgment rather than testimony.
This led to the recognition of expert witness in court.
The first textbook in legal medicine was
included in the Constitute Criminalis Carolina which
was promulgated in 1532 during the reign of Emperor
Charles V in Germany.
Paulus Zacchias (1584-1659), a papal physician, is
regarded as the "father of forensic medicine.“
In 1598, Severin Pineau published in Paris a work on
virginity and defloration.
Orfila (1787-1853) introduced chemical methods in
toxicology. In his Traite' des Poison, he mentioned
mineral, vegetable and animal poison in relation with
physiology, pathology and legal medicine. He was
considered later as the founder of modern toxicology.
On December 23, 1975, Presidential Decree 856 was
promulgated and Sec. 95 provides
A. Persons authorized to perform autopsies:
1. Health officers
2. Medical officers of law enforcement agencies
3. Members of the medical staff of accredited
hospitals
B. Autopsies shall be performed in the following cases:
1. Whenever required by special laws;
2. Upon order of a competent court, a mayor and a
provincial or city fiscal;
3. Upon written request of police authorities,
4. Whenever the Solicitor General, provincial or city
fiscal deem it necessary to disinter and take
possession of the remains for examination to
determine the cause of death;
5. Whenever the nearest kin shall request in writing
the authorities concerned to ascertain the cause of
death.
MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS OF DEATH
Death is the termination of life. It is the
complete cessation of all the vital functions without the
possibility of resuscitation
 Dying is a continuing process
while death is an event that takes place
at a precise time.
WHEN ANY OF THE THREE
VITAL BODY FUNCTION IS NO
LONGER PERFORMING:
a. Respiratory
b. Cardiac activity
c. Central nervous system
The Facts of Death
1. He first action of an investigator
upon arriving at the crime scene of
the homicide is the verification of
death.
2. An individual is said to be dead in
the medical sense when one of the
three vital function is no longer
performing within the body:
a. Respiratory system
b. Cardiac Activity
c. Central nervous system activity
3. In the legal sense, death is
considered to occur when all of the
three above vital functions have
ceased.
IMPORTANCE OF DEATH
DETERMINATION
I. Personality of a person is
extinguished by death.
II. Criminal liability is extinguished
by death.
III. Property of a person is transmitted
to heirs or nearest of skin.
IV. Basis of immediate removal of
organs for transplantation.
V. Civil case for claim is dismissed.
CAUSES OF DEATH
1. Immediate ( Primary ) Cause of
Death – this applies to cares when
trauma or disease kill quickly that
there is no opportunity for
sequelae or complications to
develop.
2. The Proximate ( Secondary )
Cause of Death – The injury or
disease was survived for a
sufficiently prolonged interval
which permitted the development
of serious sequelae which actually cause the death.
KINDS OF DEATH
 Somatic/Clinical Death
 Molecular Death
 Apparent Death
I. SOMATIC/CLINICAL DEATH
 This is the state of the body in which there is
complete, persistent and continuous cessation of
the vital functions of the brain, heart and lungs
which maintain life and health. It occurs the
moment a physician or the other members of the
family declare a person has expired, and some of
the early signs of death are present. It is hardly
possible to determine the exact time of death.
CLINICAL TYPES OF DEATH
1. Sociologic death – experience by patient who are
abandoned and let alone to die. The sense of
isolation or abandonment.
2. Psychic death – the patient regresses, gives up or
surrenders accepting death prematurely.
3. Biologic death – characterized by the absence of
cognitive functions or awareness despite of the
artificial life support.
4. Physiologic death – a death when all vital organs
cease to function.
II. MOLECULAR OR CELLULAR DEATH
After cessation of the vital functions of the body
there is still animal life among individual cells. This is
evidence by the presence of/excitability of muscles and
ciliary movements and other functions of individual
cells. About three to six hours later, there is death of
individual cells. This is known as molecular or cellular
death. Its exact occurrence cannot be definitely
ascertained because its time of appearance is influenced
by several factors. Previous state of health, infection,
climatic condition, cellular nutrition, etc. influence its
occurrence.
III. APPARENT DEATH" OR "STATE OF
SUSPENDED ANIMATION":
This condition is not really death but merely a
transient loss of consciousness or temporary cessation
of the vital functions of the body on account of disease,
external stimulus or other forms of influence. It may
arise especially in hysteria, uremia, catalepsy and
electric shock.
It is important to determine the condition of
suspended animation to prevent premature burial.
 SIGNS OF DEATH
 CESSATION OF HEART
ACTION AND CIRCULATION
 CESSATION OF RESPIRATION
 COOLING OF THE BODY
(ALGOR MORTIS)
 INSENSIBILITY OF THE BODY
AND LOSS OF POWER TO
MOVE
 CHANGES IN THE SKIN
 CHANGES IN AND ABOUT THE
EYE:
 ACTION OF HEAT ON THE
SKIN
CESSATION OF HEART ACTION
AND CIRCULATION
There must be an entire and
continuous cessation of the heart action
and flow of blood in the whole vascular
system. A temporary suspension of the
heart action is still compatible with life.
As a general rule, if there is no
heart action for a period of five minutes
death is regarded as certain.
METHODS OF DETECTING THE
CESSATION OF HEART ACTION
AND CIRCULATION:
EXAMINATION OF THE HEART:
Palpation of the Pulse - Pulsation of
the peripheral blood vessels may be
made at the region of the wrist or at the
neck. The pulsation of the vessels is
synchronous with the heart beat.
Auscultation for the Heart Sound at
the Precordial Area: The rhythmic
contraction and relaxation of the heart is
audible through the stethoscope.
Flouroscopic Examination:
Fluoroscopic examination of the chest
will reveal the shadow of the heart in its
rhythmic contraction and relaxation.
By the Use of Electrocardiograph:
The heart beat is accompanied by the
passage of electrical charge through the
impulse conducting system of the heart
which may be recorded in an
electrocardiograph machine.
EXAMINATION OF THE PERIPHERAL
CIRCULATION:
Magnus'Test - A ligature is applied around the base of
a finger with moderate tightness.
Icard's Test - This consists of the injection of a solution
of fluorescein subcutaneously. If circulation is still
present, the dye will spread all over the body and the
whole skin will have a greenish-yellow discoloration
due to flourescein. In a dead man, the solution will just
remain at the site of the injection.
Diaphanous Test - The fingers are spread wide and the
finger webs are viewed through a strong light. In the
living, the finger webs appear red but yellow in the
dead.
Opening of Small Artery:
Pressure on the Fingernails:
Application of Heat on the Skin:
Palpation of the Radial Pulse:
Dropping of Melted Wax:
CESSATION OF RESPIRATION
A person can hold his breath for a period not longer than
3-1/2 minutes.
METHODS OF DETECTING CESSATION OF
RESPIRATION:
 Expose the chest and abdomen and observe the
movement duringinspiration and expiration .
 Examine the person with the aid of a stethoscope
which is placed at the base of the anterior aspect of
the neck and hear sound of the current o air passing
through the trachea during
 Examination with a Mirror
 Examination with a Feather or Cotton Fibers:
 Examination with a Glass of Water:
 Winslow's Test:
There is no movement of the image formed by
reflecting artificial or sun light on the water or mercury
contained in a saucer and placed on the chest or
abdomen if respiration is not taking place.
COOLING OF THE BODY
(ALGOR MORTIS)
After death the metabolic process inside the
body ceases, No more heat is produced but the body
loses slowly its temperature by evaporation or by
conduction to the surrounding atmosphere.
The progressive fall of the body temperature is
one of the most prominent signs of death.
The fall of temperature of 15 to 20 degrees
Fahrenheit is considered as a certain sign of death.
POST-MORTEM CALORICITY
Is the rise of temperature of the body after death
due to rapid and early putrefactive changes or some
internal changes. It is usually observed  STAGE OF SECONDARY FLACCIDITY OR
in the first two hours after death. COMMENCEMENT OF PUTREFACTION
Post-mortem caloricity may occur in the - (Decay of the muscles):
following conditions:
a. Cholera. STAGE OF PRIMARY FLACCIDITY (POST-
b. Yellow fever. MORTEM MUSCULAR IRRITABILITY)
c. Liver abscess.
d. Peritonitis. The Muscles are relaxed and capable of
e. Cerebro-spinal fever. contracting when stimulated. The pupils are dilated, the
f. Rheumatic fever. sphincters are relaxed, and there is incontinence of
g. Tetanus. urination and defecation.
h. Smallpox.
i. Strychnine poisoning. To determine whether the muscles are still
irritable, apply electric current and note whether there is
METHODS OF ESTIMATING HOW still irritability of the muscles.
LONG A PERSON HAS BEEN
DEAD FROM THE COOLING OF This stage usually lasts about three to six hours
THE BODY: after death. In warm places, the average duration is only
one hour and fifty one minutes
As a general rule the body
attains the temperature of the STAGE OF POST-MORTEM RIGIDITY
surrounding air from 12 to 15 hours (CADAVERIC RIGIDITY, OR DEATH
after death in tropical countries STRUGGLE OF MUSCLES OR RIGOR MORTIS):
Slide 85
The whole body becomes rigid due to the
THE THREE SIGNS OF contraction of the muscles. This develops three to six
PRESUMPTIVE DEATH hours after death and may last from twenty-four to
thirty-six hours.
1. Cessation of breathing or
respiratory movement Three to six hours after death the muscles
2. Cessation of heart sounds gradually stiffen. It usually starts at the muscles of the
3. Loss of flushing on nail beds when neck and lower jaw and spreads downwards to the chest,
pressure is released arms, and lower limbs. Usually the whole body
becomes stiff after twelve hours.
CHANGES IN THE BODY
FOLLOWING DEATH In the medico-legal view point, post-mortem
rigidity may be utilized to approximate the length of
CHANGES IN THE MUSCLE: time the body has been dead.
After death, there is complete
relaxation of the whole muscular In temperate countries, rigor mortis may last for
system. The entire muscular system is two or three days but in tropical countries the usual
contractile for three to six hours after duration is twenty- four to forty-eight hours during cold
death, and later rigidity sets in. weather and eighteen to thirty-six hours during summer.
Secondary relaxation of the muscles
will appear just when decomposition In warm countries like the Philippines, rigor
has set in. mortis sets in from 2 to 3 hours after the death. It is
fully developed in the body after 12 hours. It may last
THE ENTIRE MUSCULAR TISSUE from 18 hours to 36 hours and its disappearance is
PASSES THREE STAGES AFTER concomitant with the onset of putrefaction.
DEATH:
CONDITIONS SIMULATING RIGOR MORTIS:
 STAGE OF PRIMARY
FLACCIDITY HEAT STIFFENING:
- (post-mortem muscular irritability): If the dead body is exposed to temperatures
above 75°C it will coagulate the muscle proteins and
 STAGE OF POST-MORTEM cause the muscles to be rigid. The stiffening is more or
RIGIDITY less permanent and may not be easily affected by
- (Cadaveric rigidity, or Death struggle putrefaction.
of muscles or Rigor Mortis):
COLD STIFFENING:
 Body is frozen, but exposure to
warm condition will make such
stiffening disappear. The cold stiffening
is due to the solidification of fat when
the body is exposed to freezing
temperature
The stasis of the blood due to the cessation of
circulation enhances the coagulation of blood inside the
blood vessels.
Blood- may remain fluid inside the blood
vessels after death for 6 to 8 hours.

CADAVERIC SPASM OR DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN ANTE-MORTEM

INSTANTANEOUS RIGOR: FROM POST-MORTEM CLOT:
This is the instantaneous
rigidity of the muscles which occurs at Ante-mortem Clot Post-mortem Clot
the moment of death due to extreme Firm in consistency. Soft in consistency
nervous tension, exhaustion and injury Surface of the blood vessel Surface of the blood vessels
to the nervous system or injury to the raw after the clots are smooth and healthy after the
chest. removed clots are removed
Clots homogenous in Clots can be stripped off in
DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN RIGOR construction so it cannot be layers
MORTIS AND CADAVERIC stripped into layers
SPASM: Clots with uniform color Clots with distinct layer
Time of Appearance:
b. Post-mortem lividity or cadaveric lividity, or post-
Rigor mortis appears three to
mortem suggillation or post-mortem hypostasis or livor
six hours after death, while cadaveric
mortis:
spasm appears immediately after death.
 The stoppage of the heart action and the loss of tone
of blood vessels cause the blood to be under the
Muscles Involved:
influence of gravity. Blood begins to accumulate in
Rigor mortis involves all the
the most dependent portions of the body. The
muscles of the body whether voluntary
capillaries may be distended with blood. The
or involuntary, while cadaveric spasm
distended capillaries coalesce with one another until
involves only a certain muscle or group
the whole area becomes dull-red or purplish in
of muscles and are asymmetrical.
color known as post- mortem lividity.
 The lividity usually appears three to six hours after
Occurrence:
death and the condition increases until the blood
Rigor mortis is a natural
coagulates.
phenomena which occurs after death,
 Twelve hours after death, the post-mortem lividity
while cadaveric spasm may or may not
is already fully developed. It also involved internal
appear on a person at the time of death.
organs.
Medico-Legal Significance:
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POST-
Rigor mortis may be utilized by
MORTEM LIVIDITY:
a medical jurist to approximate the time
of death, while cadaveric spasm may be
1) It occurs in the most extensive areas of the most
useful to determine the nature of the
dependent portions of the body.
crime.
2) It only involves the superficial layer of the skin.
3) It does not appear elevated from the rest of the skin.
STAGE OF SECONDARY
4) The Color is uniform but the color may become
FLACCIDITY OR SECONDARY
greenish at the start of decomposition.
RELAXATION:
5) There is no injury of the skin.
The muscles become flaccid, no
KINDS OF POST-MORTEM (CADAVERIC)
longer capable of responding to
LIVIDITY:
mechanical or electrical stimulus and
the reaction becomes alkaline
HYPOSTATIC LIVIDITY:
After the disappearance of rigor
The blood merely gravitates into the most
mortis, the muscle becomes soft and
dependent portions of the body but still inside the blood
flaccid.
vessels and still fluid in form. Any change of position
of the body leads to the formation of the lividity in
CHANGES IN THE BLOOD
another place. This occurs during the early stage of its
a. Coagulation of the Blood:
formation.
DIFFUSION LIVIDITY MARBOLIZATION
This appears during the later It is the prominence of the superficial veins with
stage of its formation when the blood reddish discoloration during the process of
has coagulated inside the blood vessels decomposition which develops on both flanks of the
or has diffused into the tissues of the abdomen, root of the neck and shoulder and which
body. Any change of position will not makes the area look like a "marbled" reticule of
change the location of the lividity. branching veins. This is observed easily among dead
persons with fair complexion.
IMPORTANCE OF CADAVERIC
LIVIDITY: CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE TROPICAL
REGION
 Importance of Cadaveric Lividity:
1) It is one of the signs of death. NUMBER OF EVENTS
2) It may determine whether the HOURS/DAYS
position of the body has been 12 H Rigor will be evident
changed after its appearance in the 24 H Rigor will be evident with
body. greenish discoloration
3) The color of the lividity may 48 H Presence of ova flies
indicate the cause of death. 72 H Cadaver was swollen and
Example: disfigured
 In asphyxia, the lividity is dark. One Week Soft viscera putrefied
 In carbon monoxide poisoning, the 2 Weeks Soft viscera largely gone
lividity is bright pink. 1 Month Body is skeletonized
 Hemorrhage, anemia — less
marked. Hydrocyanic acid —
INFLUENCE OF BACTERIA IN
bright red.
DECOMPOSITION:
 Phosphorus — dark brown.
 Potassium chlorate, Potassium
Decomposition is due to action of bacteria in
bichromate — chocolate or coffee
various tissues of the body.
brown.
In the Philippines like other tropical countries,
If the body is found for considerable
decomposition is early and the average time is 24 to 48
time in snow or ice the lividity is bright
hours after death.
red.
4) It may determine how long the
Other Destructive Agents During Decomposition:
person has been dead.
Maggots (Larvae)
5) It gives us an idea as to the time of
Adult Flies
death.
Reptiles:
Rodents (rats and mice) Other Mammals:
AUTOLYTIC OR
Fishes and Crabs:
AUTODIGESTTVE CHANGES
Molds
AFTER DEATH:
As a general rule, molds do not destroy the dead
After death, proteolytic,
bodies but their growth cause disfigurement and minor
glycolytic and lipolytic ferments of
superficial lesions on the skin
glandular tissues continue to act which
lead to the autodigestion of organs.
ENTOMOLOGY OF THE CADAVER:
This action is facilitated by weak acid
and higher temperature.
The common flies undergo larval, pupal and
adult stages. The usual time for the egg to be hatched
PUTREFACTION OF THE BODY:
into larva is 24 hours so that by the. mere fact that there
are maggots in the cadaver, one can conclude that death
PUTREFACTION
has occurred more than 24 hours.
Is the breaking down of the
complex proteins into simpler
NOTE:
components associated with the
Father of Modern Entomology: Reverend William Kirby
evolution of foul smelling gasses and
accompanied by the change of color of
SPECIAL MODIFICATION OF PUTREFACTION
the body.
MUMMIFICATION
Mummification is the dehydration of the whole
body which results in the shivering and preservation of
the body. It usually occurs when a dead
body is buried in a hot, and arid place
with dry atmosphere and with free
access of hot air.
Mummification is observed in
warm countries where evaporation of
body fluid takes place earlier and faster
than decomposition.
KINDS OF MUMMIFICATION:
NATURAL MUMMIFICATION
When a person is buried in hot,
arid, sandy soil, there will be
insufficient moisture for the growth and
multiplication of putrefactive bacteria.
ARTIFICIAL MUMMIFICATION:
The principles involved in
artificial mummification are:
a) Acceleration of the evaporation of
the tissue fluid of the body before
the actual onset of decomposition.
b) Addition of some body
preservatives to inhibit
decomposition and to allow
evaporation of fluid. This is made
by treatment of the body with
arsenic, formalin, resinous or tarry
materials.
SAPONIFICATION OR ADIPOCERE
FORMATION:
This is a condition wherein the
fatty tissues of the body are
transformed to soft brownish-white
substance known as adipocere.
Adipocere is a waxy material,
rancid or moldy in odor, floats in water,
and dissolves in ether and alcohol. With
diluted solution of copper sulfate, it
gives a light greenish- blue color. It is
inflammable and burns with a faint
yellow flame. When distilled it
produces a dense oily vapor.
MACERATION
This is the softening of the
tissues when in a fluid medium in the
absence of putrefactive microorganism
which is frequently observed in the
death of the fetus en utero.
Putrefaction does not take place
and the fetus becomes soft. The
softening of the body may be due to the
action of the autolytic and proteolytic
enzymes and ferments.
MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL
INJURIES
Physical injury is the effect of some forms of stimulus
on the body.
 Causes of Physical Injuries:
 Physical Violence
 Heat or Cold
 Electrical Energy
 Chemical Energy
 Radiation by Radio-Active Substances
 Change of Atmospheric Pressure (Barotrauma)
 Infection
PHYSICAL INJURIES BROUGHT ABOUT BY
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE
The effect of the application of physical
violence on a person is the production of wound.
A wound is the solution of the natural continuity
of any tissue of the living body. It is the disruption of
the anatomic integrity of a tissue of the body. In several
occasions, the word physical injury is used
interchangeably with wound.
VITAL REACTION
It is the sum total of all reactions of tissue or organ to
trama.
The following are the common reactions of a living
tissue to trauma:
a. "Rubor" — Redness or congestion of the area due
to an increase of blood supply as a part of the
reparative mechanism.
b. "Calor" — Sensation of heat or increase in
temperature.
c. "Dolor" — Pain on account of the involvement of
the sensory nerve.
d. Loss of function — On account of the trauma, the
tissue may not be able to function normally.
CLASSIFICATION OF WOUNDS:
AS TO SEVERITY:
MORTAL WOUND - Wound which is caused
immediately after infliction or shortly thereafter that is
capable of causing death.
Parts of the Body where the Wounds Inflicted are
Considered Mortal:
 Heart and big blood vessels.
 Brain and upper portion of the spinal cord.
 Lungs.
 Stomach, liver, spleen and intestine.
 NON-MORTAL WOUND —
Wound which is not capable of
producing death immediately after
infliction or shortly thereafter.
AS TO THE KIND OF
INSTRUMENT USED:
a. Wound brought about by blunt
instrument (contusion, hematoma,
lacerated wound).
b. Wound brought about by sharp
instrument:
 Sharp-edged instrument(incised
wound).
 Sharp-pointed instrument
(punctured wound).
 Sharp-edged and sharp pointed
instrument (stab wound).
c. Wound brought about by tearing
force (lacerated wound).
d. Wound brought about by change of
atmospheric pressure (barotrauma).
e. Wound brought about by heat or
cold (frostbite, burns or scald).
f. Wound brought about by chemical
explosion (gunshot or shrapnel
wound).
g. Wound brought about by infection
AS TO THE MANNER OF
INFLICTION:
Hit — by means of bolo, blunt
instrument, axe.
Thrust or stab — bayonet dagger.
Gunpowder explosion — projectile or
shrapnel wound. Sliding or rubbing or
abrasion.
AS REGARDS TO THE DEPTH OF
THE WOUND:
Superficial — When the wound
involves only the layers of the skin.
Deep — When the wound involves the
inner structure beyond the layers of the
skin.
PENETRATING — one in which the
wounding agent enters the body but did
not come out or the mere piercing of a
solid organ or tissue of the body.
PERFORATING — When the
wounding agent produces
communication between the inner and
outer portion of the hollow organs. It
may also mean piercing or traversing
completely a particular part of the body
causing communication between the
points of entry and exit of the
instrument or substance producing it.
AS REGARDS TO THE RELATION OF THE
SITE OF THE APPLICATION OF FORCE AND
THE LOCATION OF INJURY:
COUP INJURY — Physical injury which is located at
the site of the application of force,
CONTRE-COUP INJURY — Physical injury found
opposite the site of the application force.
COUP CONTRE-COUP INJURY — Physical injury
located at the site and also opposite the site of
application of force.
"LOCUS MINORIS RESISTENCIA" — Physical
injury located not at the site nor opposite the site of the
application of force but in some areas offering the least
resistance to the force applied. A blow on the forehead
may cause contusion at the region of the eyeball
because of the fracture on the papyraceous bone
forming the roof of the orbit.
EXTENSIVE INJURY — Physical injury involving a
greater area of the body beyond the site of the
application of force. It has not only the wide area of
injury but also the varied types of injury.
SPECIAL TYPES OF WOUNDS:
DEFENSE WOUND — Wound which is the result of a
person's instinctive reaction of self-protection. Injuries
suffered by a person to avoid or repel potential injury
contemplated by the aggressor.
PATTERNED WOUND — Wound in the nature and
shape of an object or instrument and which infers the
object or instrument causing it.
SELF-INFLICTED WOUND— Self-inflicted wound is
a wound produced on oneself. As distinguished from
suicide, the person has no intention to end his life.
TYPES OF WOUNDS (MEDICAL
CLASSIFICATION)
OPEN WOUND
There is a breach of continuity of the skin or
mucous membrane.
a. Abrasion
b. Incised Wound
c. Stab Wound
d. Punctured
e. Lacerated
CLOSED WOUND
There is no breach of continuity of the skin or
mucous membrane.
Superficial
 When the wound is just
underneath the layers of the skin or
mucous membrane.
1) Petechiae.
2) Contusion.
3) Hematoma.
Deep
1. Musculoskeletal Injuries
 Sprain
 Dislocation
 Fracture
 Strain
 Subluxation
2. Internal Hemorrhage.
3. Cerebral Concussion.
PETECHIAE
This is a circumscribed
extravasation of blood in the
subcutaneous tissue or underneath the
mucous membrane.
CONTUSION
Contusion is the effusion of
blood into the tissues underneath the
skin on account of the rupture of the
blood vessels as a result of the
application of blunt force or violence.
The contusion is red sometimes purple
soon after its complete development.
In 4 to 5 days, the color changes to
green.
In 7 to 10 days, it becomes yellow and
gradually disappears on the 14th or
15th day
tissue is superficially located, like the head, chest and
anterior aspect of the legs.
MUSCULO-SKELETAL INJURIES
SPRAIN - Partial or complete disruption in the
continuity of a muscular or ligamentous support of a
joint. It is usually caused by a blow, kick or torsion
force.
DISLOCATION - Displacement of the articular surface
of bones entering into the formation of a joint.
FRACTURE — Solution of continuity of bone
resulting from violence or some existing pathology.
STRAIN - The over-stretching, instead of an actual
tearing or the rupture of a muscle or ligament which
may not be associated with the joint.
SUBLUXATION — Incomplete dislocation.
GUNSHOT WOUND
Factors Responsible for the Injurious Effects of
Missile:
a. Speed of the Bullet
b. Size and Shape of the Bullet
c. Character of the Missile's Movement in Flight (e.g.
yawing)
Short Range Fire (1 to 15 cm. distance)
1. Edges of the entrance wound is inverted.
2. If within the flame reach (about 6 inches in rifle and
high powered firearms and less than 3 inches from
an ordinary handgun), there is an area of burning.
3. Smudging is present due to smoke.
4. "Powder tattooing* is present (dense and limited
dimension of spread).
5. Abrasion ring collar is present (contact ring).
Medium Range Fire (more than 15 cm. but less than
60 cm.)

APPEARANCE OF 1. Gunshot wound with inverted edges

CONTUSIONS/BRUISES and with abrasion collar is present.
2. Burning effects (skin bum and hair singeing) is
AT FIRST RED absent.
3. Smudging may be present if less than 30 cm.
FEW HOURS to 3 BLUE
distance.
DAYS
4. Gunpowder tattooing is present but of lesser
4TH DAY BLUISH BLACK
density and has a wider area of distribution.
to BROWN
5. Contact ring is present.
5 TO 6 DAYS GREENISH
7 TO 12 DAYS YELLOW Fired More Than 60 cm. Distance:
2 WEEKS NORMAL
1. Gunshot wound is circular or oval depending on the
angle of approach with abrasion collar.
HEMATOMA (Blood Cyst, Blood 2. Wound of entrance has no burning, smudging or
tumor) tattooing.
3. Contact ring is present.
Hematoma is the extravasation
or effusion of blood in a newly formed
cavity underneath the skin. It usually
develops when the blunt instrument is
applied in part of the body where bony
THERMAL INJURIES OR DEATHS
Thermal injuries are those
caused by an appreciable deviation
from normal temperature, capable of
producing cellular or tissue changes in
the body. Thermal death is one
primarily caused by thermal injuries.
DEATH OR INJURY FROM COLD
FROSTBITE - It is a condition of
exposure to cold temperature or certain
parts of the body which produces
mechanical disruption of cell structure,
it leads to swelling, thrombosis and
gangrene of the affected tissues.
TRENCH FOOT - A condition usually
seem among those walking over the
snow where the foot is exposed to
freezing temperature.
DEATH OR INJURY FROM HEAT
1. General or Systemic Effects:
a. Heat cramps. - This is the
involuntary spasmodic painful
contraction of muscles essentially
due to dehydration and excessive
loss of chlorides by sweating.
b. Heat exhaustion. - This is due to a
heart failure primarily caused by
heat and precipitated by muscular
exertion and warm clothing.
c. Heat stroke - This usually occurs
among those working in ill-
ventilated places with dry and high
temperatures or due to a direct
exposure to the sun.
2. Local Effects:
a. Scald. – caused by hot liquid
b. Burns. - dry heat
MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF
SEX CRIMES
VIRGINITY AND DEFLORATION
A . VIRGINITY
Virginity is a condition of a
female who has not experienced sexual
intercourse and whose genital organs
have not been altered by carnal
connection.
A woman is a "virtuous female"
if her body is pure and if she has never
had any sexual intercourse with another,
though her mind and heart is impure
The presumption of a woman's virginity
arises whenever it is shown that she is
single and continuous until overthrown
by proof to be contrary (U.S. V. Alvarez, 1 Phil. 242).
A woman is presumed to be a virgin when unmarried
and of good reputation.
Slide 134
TYPES OF VIRGINITY
MORAL VIRGINITY — The state of not knowing the
nature of sexual life and not having experienced sexual
relation.
PHYSICAL VIRGINITY— A condition whereby a
woman is conscious of the nature of the sexual life but
has not experienced sexual intercourse.
TRUE PHYSICAL VIRGINITY— A condition wherein
the hymen is intact with the edges distinct and regular
and the opening small to barely admit the tip of the
smallest finger of the examiner if the thighs are
separated.
FALSE PHYSICAL VIRGINITY — A condition wherein
the hymen is unruptured but the orifice is wide and
elastic to admit two or more fingers of the examiner
with a lesser degree of resistance.
DEMI-VIRGINITY - This term refers to a condition of
a woman who permits any form of sexual liberties as
long as they abstain from rupturing the hymen by
sexual act.
"VIRGO INTACTA" - liberal authorities extend the
connotation of the term to include women who have had
previous sexual act or even habitually but had not given
birth.
Parts of the female body to be considered in the
determination of the condition of virginity:
 BREASTS
a. Hemispherical Breast — The breast is like a
hemisphere. The contour lines are not straight but
form part of a circle or half of a sphere.
b. Conical Breast — The breast has the shape similar
to a cone. The outline consists of two converging
lines which meet at the region of the nipple.
c. Infantile or Flat Breast — The breast is only
slightly elevated from the chest without distinct
boundary and showing no definite shape.
d. Pendulous Breast — The skin of the breast is loose
making it capable of swinging in any direction.
This is commonly observed among parturient
breast-feeding mothers. A pendulous breast may be:
1) Hemispherical pendulous breast — It has the shape
of a hemisphere but with loose skin.
2) Conical pendulous breast — It has the shape of a
cone and is capable of swinging sidewise.
VAGINAL CANAL
As a general rule, the vaginal canal of a virgin is
tight and the rugosities are sharp and prominent.
LABIA MAJORA AND LABIA MINORA
The labia majora is firm, elastic and
plump and its medial borders are
usually in close contact with each other
so as to cover the labia minora and the
clitoris.
FOURCHETTE
The fourchette present a V-shape
appearance as the two labia minora
unite posteriorly.
HYMEN
Physicians give much attention
in the examination of the hymen in the
determination of virginity.
Classification of Hymen:
a. As to shape and size of the opening:
1) Annular or circular — The
opening is oval or circular located
at the center of the hymen. There
may be indentation of the borders.
2) Infantile — The opening is small,
usually linear, fleshy and resistant.
3) Semilunar or crescentric — The
concavity may be facing either side
or upwards or downwards. The
tapering ends of the crescent may
be the frequent sites of laceration.
4) Linear — The opening is slit-like
and usually running vertically.
5) Cribiform — The hymen presents
several openings instead of a
single one. In several instances the
openings are quite small and will
require the use of a hand lens to
make them visible.
6) ( 6 ) Stellate — hymenal opening
is like a star.
7) Septate — There are two openings
which may be of equal or different
sizes separated by a bridge of
hymenal tissue. After a sexual act
there may be complete rupture of
the bridging tissue or marked
distention of one to make the other
opening almost invisible.
8) Fimbriated — The border of the
opening shows small irregular
protrusion towards the opening. In
some instances the fimbriation may
be big enough that the examiner
may mistake it to be a superficial
laceration.
9) Imperforate — There is no
opening on the hymen. When a
woman starts to menstruate,
surgery may be necessary to open the hymen to
allow free passage of menstrual blood.
B. DEFLORATION
Defloration is the laceration or rupture of the
hymen as a result of sexual intercourse. All other
lacerations of the hymen which are not caused by
sexual act are not considered as defloration.
MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECT OF POISONING
Definition of Poison:
 A poison is anything other than physical agencies
which is capable of destroying life, either by
chemical action on the tissues of the living body,
or by physiological action by absorption into the
living system.
 Legally, a poison is a substance which, if applied or
administered internally, has been applied or
administered with the intention to kill or to do
harm.
 The intent in the administration is the essential
element in law. The quantity does not affect
culpability, nor is the law concerned with the
quantity in which the substance acts.
CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING ACTION OF
POISON
 Method of Administration
 Idiosyncrasy
 Age
 Habit
 Dose
 Stare of the Stomach and Kidneys
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT MAY LEAD
ONE TO SUSPECT POISONING
 The complaints and symptoms appear suddenly like
an acute abdomen, apoplexy, heart failure or
cholera.
 The symptoms appear when the individual is at the
state of health.
 The symptoms usually appear after a meal or after
taking some food or medicine. The onset of the
symptoms is influenced by the modifying factors
mentioned, but it appears within an hour in most
cases.
 When several persons partake the food or drug at
the same time, the approximate occurrence of the
symptoms is at the same time.
 The course of the symptoms may either be getting
severe or having steady improvement.
 The detection of the poison can be done on any of
the following:
a. food taken c. vomitus
b. Container d. excretions
FOOD POISONING
Food poisoning is a state of ill-
health resulting from food which has
some abnormal or noxious content.
MEDICAL EVIDENCE
Evidence is the means,
sanctioned by the Rules of Court, of
ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the
truth respecting a matter of fact (Sec. 1,
Rule 128, Rules of Court).
If the means employed to prove
a fact is medical in nature then it
becomes a medical evidence.
Admissibility of evidence —
Evidence is admissible when it is
relevant to the issue and is not excluded
by these rules (Sec. 3, Rule 128, Rules
of Court).
TYPES OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE:
AUTOPTIC OR REAL EVIDENCE:
This is an evidence made known or
addressed to the senses of the court.
LIMITATIONS TO THE
PRESENTATION OF AUTOPTIC
EVIDENCE:
a. Indecency and impropriety
b. Repulsive objects and those
offensive to sensibilities
survive, after the administration of lethal dose of poison
can be shown by the administration of the said poison to
experimental animals within the view of the court.
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE:
A document is an instrument on which is
recorded by means of letters, figures, or marks intended
to be used for the purpose of recording that matter
which may be evidentially used.
Medical Documentary Evidence may be:
a. Medical Certification or Report on:
1) Medical examination.
2) Physical examination.
3) Necropsy (autopsy).
4) Laboratory.
5) Exhumation.
6) Birth.
7) Death.
b. Medical Expert Opinion
Deposition — A deposition is a written record of
evidence given orally and transcribed in writing in the
form of questions by the interrogator and the answer of
the deponent and signed by the latter
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:
These are articles and materials which are found in
connection with the investigation and which aid in
establishing the identity of the perpetrator or the
circumstances under which the crime was committed, or
in general assist in the prosecution of a criminal.
-END-

TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE:
A physician may be
commanded to appear before a court to
give his testimony. While in the witness
stand, he is obliged to answer questions
propounded by counsel and presiding
officer of the court. His testimony must
be given orally and under oath or
affirmation.

Ordinary Witness: A physician who

testifies in court on matters he
perceived from his patient in the course
of physician-patient relationship is
considered as an ordinary witness.
Expert Witness: A physician on account
of his training and experience can give
his opinion on a set of medical facts.

EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE:
A medical witness may be
allowed by the court to confirm his
allegation or as a corroborated proof to
an opinion he previously stated. The
issue as to how long a person can