Legal Med Module 13

PASSI CITY COLLEGE
City of Passi, Iloilo
SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CML 6 – LEGAL MEDICINE
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W.Silubrico, M.D., DIH Module 13
CML 6 – Legal Medicine
PASSI CITY COLLEGE
MODULE 13: PHYSICAL INJURIES or DEATH caused by GUNSHOT, EXPLOSION or SHRAPNEL,

COLD, HEAT, ELECTRICITY or LIGTHNING
OVERVIEW:
Physical injuries are the effects of the application of stimulus to the body. These effects
may only be apparent when the stimulus applied is small and the body resistance is great, or real
when the effects are visible. Their appearance may be immediately after the application of the
stimulus or delayed as physical injuries brought about by infection.
The effect of the application of physical violence on a person is the production of
wound. This wound will either be close or open wound depending on its severity, kinds of
instrument used, the manner of infliction, the depth of the wound, the relationship of the site of
application of force and the location of injury, the regions or organs of the body involved, legal
classification, and the types of wounds.
The physical injuries may also be affected by the physical and physiological make-up of
the person as well as the wounds’ complications which may be fatal or not.
MODULE OUTCOMES:
At the end of the lesson, students should be able:

➢ to understand the relationship of physical violence to injuries;
➢ to comprehend the nature of physical injuries caused by gunshot, explosion or
shrapnel, cold, heat, electricity, and lightning;
➢ to identify the types of wounds inflicted by the injuries caused by gunshot,
explosion or shrapnel, cold, heat, electricity, and lightning; and
➢ to differentiate whether a gunshot wound is suicidal or homicidal.
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EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING
EXPLOSION
DEATH BY COLD EFFECTS OF HEAT
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MODULE CONTENT:
INTRODUCTION:
Gunshot wounds (GSW) death or physical injuries Is brought about by powdered
propelled substances like firearm shot or detonation of high explosives like grenades. A gunshot
wound must have the cartridge or ammunition and a firearm to be able to cause an injury and must
be identified as an entrance or exit wound. However, there are instances when the size of the
wound of entrance do not approximate the caliber of the firearm.
Thermal injuries deaths are those caused by deviation from normal temperature
capable of producing cellular or tissue changes in the body. Exposure to severe cold causes
frostbite while exposure to high temperature causes burning or scalding.
Physical injuries or deaths due to lightning and electricity are due to electrical charges
from the atmosphere or electrical circuits.
LECTURE/DISCUSSION:
GUNSHOT WOUNDS DEATH or physical injuries Is brought about by powdered substances:
1. Firearm shot – is the injury caused by the missile propelled by the explosion of the
gun powder located in the cartridge shell and the rear of the missile.
2. Detonation of high explosives/grenades – is the explosion inside the metallic
container that will cause fragmentation of the container.
FIREARM WOUND
Firearm: it is an instrument used for propulsion of a projectile by the expansive force of
gasses coming from the burning of gunpowder. It includes rifles, muskets,
shotguns, revolvers, pistol and other deadly weapons which a bullet, ball, shell or
other missile maybe discharged by means of gunpowder or other explosives. It
also includes air rifle except of small calibers and limited range. The barrel of any
firearm shall be considered as a complete firearm of all purposes thereof.
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PENAL PROVISIONS OF LAWS RELATIVE TO FIREARMS:
a. Sec.2692 RAC – unlawful manufacture, dealing in acquisition, disposition or

possession of firearms or ammunitions thereof or instrument used or intended
to be used in the manufacture of firearms or ammunition.
b. Sec.2690 RAC – selling of firearms to unlicensed purchaser.
c. Sec. 2691 RAC - failure of personal representative of deceased licensed to
surrender firearm.
d. Art. 155 RPC - alarms and scandal
e. Art. 254 RPC – discharged of firearms.
CLASSIFICATION OF SMALL FIREARMS:
Small firearms – are which propel projectile of less than 1inch in diameter.
1. As to wounding power:
o Low velocity firearm – muzzle velocity of not more than 1400ft/second
Ex. Revolver
o High power velocity – muzzle velocity more that 1400ft/sec
o Usual is 2200 to 2500ft/sec or more .2 as to nature of the bore.
o Smooth bore weapon – inside portion of the barrel that is perfectly smooth
From the firing chamber to the muzzle. Ex shotgun
o Rifled bore firearm – the bore of the barrel with a number of spiral lands and
grooves which run parallel with one another but twisted spirally from breech
to muzzle. Ex. Military rifle
2. As to manner of firing
o Pistol- fired with a single shot. Ex. Revolver
o Rifle – maybe fired from the shoulder. Ex. Shotgun
3. As to the nature on the magazine
o Cylindrical revolving magazine – the cartridge is located in a cylindrical magazine
which rotates at the rear portion of the barrel. Ex. Revolver
o Vertical or horizontally and also held in place by a spring side to side or end to
end. Ex. Automatic pistol
Types of small firearms which are of medico-legal interest:

1. Revolver- usual muzzle velocity is 600ft/sec.
2. Automatic pistol – self loading firearm, muzzle velocity of 1200ft/sec.
3. Rifle – muzzle velocity of 2500ft/sec. and a range of 3000ft.
4. Shotgun – projectile is a collection of pellets.
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A weapon to cause injury must have two principal component parts:

1. The cartridge or ammunition- bullet primer, cartridge case, powder charge.
2. Firearm – instrument for the propulsion of a projectile force of gasses from a
burning powder.
ENTRANCE WOUND EXIT WOUND

Appears to be smaller than the missile Always bigger than the missile.
Owing to the elasticity of the tissue
Edges are inverted. Edges are averted.
Usually oval or round depending upon Does not manifested any shape
The angle of approach of the bullet Absent

Contusion collar or contact ring is present.
Due to invagination of the skin and
spinning of the missile.
Tattooing or smudging maybe present when Absent.

Firing is near.
Underlying tissues are not protruding Underlying tissues maybe seen

Always present after fire Protruding from the wound
Maybe present if missile is
lodged in the body.
Paraffin test maybe positive Negative
Instances When The Size Of The Wound Of Entrance Do Not Approximate The
Caliber Of The Firearm
In distant fire, the rule is that the diameter of the GSW of entrance is
almost the same as the caliber of the wounding firearm except:
1. Factors which make the wound of the entrance is bigger than the caliber:
a) In contact or near fire
b) Deformity of the bullet which entered.
c) Bullet might have entered the skin sidewise.
d) Acute angular approach of the bullet.
2. Factors which make the wound of entrance smaller than the caliber
a) Fragmentation of the bullet before penetrating the skin
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b) Contraction of the elastic tissues of the skin

Other evidence or findings used to to determine GSW
1. Examination of the clothing’ if involved in the course of the bullet

a) Fabric shows punch in destruction
b) Particle of gunpowder
2. Examination of the internal injuries caused by the bullet
a) Bone fragments, cartilage, soft tissues are driven away from the
entrance wound
b) Destruction of the bone is ova, with sharp edges at the exit it is
irregular, bigger and beveled.
c) Testimony of witness.
Determination of the trajectory of the bullet inside the body of the victim
1. External examination
a) Shape of wound entrance
- when bullet is fired at the right angle with the skin, the wound of
the entrance is circular except in case of near fire
- if fired in another angle, it is oval
- when the bullet is deformed no such characteristics findings
will be observed
b) Shape and distribution of the contusion collar
- Contusion collar is widest at the side of the acute angle of
approach of the bullet
- If the bullet hits the skin perpendicularly, collar will have a
a uniform width around the GSW except when bullet is de-
formed or in near fire.
c) Difference in level between the entrance and exit wounds
d) By probing the wound of entrance
2. Internal examination
a) Actual dissection and tracing the course of the wound at autopsy
b) Fracture of bones and course in visceral organs
c) Location of bone fragments and lead particle
d) X-ray exam
3. Other evidence to show trajectory
a) Relative difference in the vertical location of entrance and exit
in the clothing
b) Relative position and distance of the assailant from the victim
in the reconstruction of re-enactment of the crime
c) Testimony of the witness
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EXIT WOUNDS OR OFFSHOOT OF WOUND

o Does not show characteristics shape unlike the entrance wound due to the
absence of external support beyond the skin so the bullet tends to tear or shatter
the skin.
o Shared GSW of exit: if pressed on a hard object like when the victim is lying:
o Wound of exit is circular or nearly circular with abrasion.
ODD AND EVEN RULE IN GSW

o If the number of entrance and exit wound is even so pre-sumption that no bullet
is lodged in the body
o Verified by x-ray
How To Determine The Number Of Fires Made By The Offender:

1. Determination of the number of spent shells.
2. Determination of entrance wounds in the body of the victim- number of entrance
wounds may not show exact number of fire:
a. Not all fire made may hit the body of the victim
b. The bullet may in the course of its flight hit a hard object thereby
splitting it and each fragment may produce separate wounds of
entrance.
c. Bullet may have perforated a part of the body and then made another
wound in some other parts of the body.
3. Number of shots heard by the witness.
Instances when the number of GSW of entrance is less than the number of GSW of
Exit in the body of the victim:
1. A bullet might have entered the body but split into several fragments, each of
which made separate exit.
2. One of the bullets might have entered a natural orifice of the body. Ex. Nose
3. There might be two or more bullets which entered the body through a common
entrance and later making individual exit wounds.
4. In near shot with a shotgun, the pellets might have entered in a common wound
and later dispersed while inside the body and making separate wounds of exit.
Instances when the number of the GSW of entrance is more than the number of
GSW of exit body of the victim:
1. When the bullet is lodged in the GIT and expelled through the bowel or
lodged in the pharynx and expelled through the mouth.
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2. Near fire with a blank cartridge produced a wound of entrance but no slug
maybe recovered.
3. The bullet may enter the wound of entrance as the wound of exit.
Ante mortem GSW presents hemorrhage, swelling, and vital reaction.
Microscopically, it shows congestion and leukocytic infiltration.
Problems confronting Forensic Physician in the identification of GSW:

1. Alteration of the lesion due to natural process: drying of wound, healing
process.
2. Medical and surgical intervention: refer to clinical record of patient.
3. Embalming
4. Problems inherent to the injury itself
5. X-ray exams – migratory, external souvenirs
The effects of the clothing on the movement of the bullet depend on:
1. Number of layers of fabric between the muzzle and subjacent skin
2. Nature of the fabric; closely woven.
3. Muzzle – clothing
Examination of the external wearing apparel of the victim of GSW maybe significant
In investigation because:
1. It may establish the possible range of the fire:
a. Contact fire
o Tear in the clothing covering the skin; fibers turn outward away from the body.
o Soot deposit, gunpowder tattooing, burning of fibers around the turned fiber
o Muzzle imprint
o Dirt and greasy deposit maybe wipe out and visible in the torn clothing.
b. Not contact but near shot
o Same with (a) except for absence of muzzle imprint and beyond flame range
o Far fire
o There is hole tear with inward direction of the thread.
2. It may be useful in the determination as to which is the point of entry and of exit of the
bullet, In the entry, the fiber is inverted.
3. It may be useful in locating the bullet.
Special consideration on bullets

1. Souvenir bullet
2. Bullet migration
3. Tandem bullet
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Evidence showing that the GSW maybe SUICIDAL:

1. Shot fired in a closed locked room, or open uninhibited place.
2. Death open near the place, victim was found.
3. Shot fired with the muzzle of the gun in contact with the part of the body involved.
4. Location of entrance wound accessible part of the body.
5. Shot usually solitary.
6. Direction of fire is compatible with the trajectory of bullet.
7. Personally, history may reveal social, economic, business or marital problem
which cannot be solve.
8. Gunpowder presence in the hand of the victim.
9. Entrance wound usually does not containing clothing.
10. Fingerprints of victim on the butt.
11. Suicide notes at the vicinity.
12. No disturbance in the place of death
RUSSIAN ROULETTE- unfortunate victim has no predetermined desire of self-

destruction.
Evidence that GSW is HOMICIDAL

1. Site of wound of entrance has no point of election.
2. Fire is made when the victim is at some distance.
3. Signs of struggle or defense wounds
4. Disturbance in the surroundings.
5. Wounding firearm usually not found in the scene of the crime.
6. Testimony of witness
Evidence to show that GSW is ACCIDENTAL

1. Usually, one shot
2. No special area of body involved.
3. Consideration on the testimony of the assailant and determination as to whether
it is possibly by knowing the relative position of the victim
4. Testimony of the witness
Points to be considered and included in the report of the Physician

1. Complete description of the wound of entrance and exit.
2. Location of the wound; part of the body involved, distance of the wound from
midline, distance of the wound from heel or buttock.
3. Direction and length of the bullet track
4. Organs or tissue involved in the course.
5. Location of the missile, if lodged in the body
6. Diagram, photograph, or sketch showing the location and number of wounds.
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Questions that a physician is expected to answer in court:

1. Could the wound be inflicted by the weapon presented to him?
2. At what range was it fired?
3. What was the direction of the fire?
4. Is it self-inflicted?
5. Are there signs of struggle?
6. Did the victim die instantaneously?
7. Is it possible for the victim to fire or resist the attack after the injury was
sustained?
8. Where was the position of the assailant and the victim when the shot was
fired?
The caliber may be inferred from the diameter of the wound of entrance.
Determination of the length of survival of the victim:

1. Nature of Gunshot Wound (GSW)
2. Organs involved.
3. Presence or absence of infection
4. Amount of blood loss
5. Physical condition of the patient
Capacity of a victim to perform volitional acts- depends upon the area of the body
involved, involvement of vital organs and the resistance of the victim.
Determination as to the length of time a firearm had been fired

1. Odor of the gas inside the barrel
2. Chemical changes inside the barrel
3. Evidence that may be deduced from the wound
Determining whether the wounding weapon is an automatic Pistol or Revolver
1. Location of the empty shell revolver- the empty shells are found in the cylindrical
magazine chamber after fire.
2. Nature of the spent shell – automatic firearm- bullet is copper jacketed.
3. Nature of the base of the cartridge or spent shell- base of the revolver has a wider
diameter than that of cylindrical body to keep the cartridge stay in tha magazine
chamber.
It may be possible to determine the direction of the shot by determining the direction of
the sound except when the flash or the person firing the shot is seen at the time was fired.
1. When a device is set up to hold the firearm and to enable it to be discharged
At a long range by the victim.
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2. When the GSW of entrance does not show characteristics of a near shot
because the clothing is interposed between the victim and the firearm.
3. When the examining failed to be distinguished between a near or far shot
wound
4. When the product of a near shot has been washed out of the wound.
X-RAY
1. Facilitate the location and extraction of the wound
2. Reveals fragmentation and its location
3. Shows bone involvement like fracture
4. Reveal trajectory of the bullet
5. Shows effect of the bullet wound, like hemorrhage, escape of air laceration
SHOTGUN WOUNDS
Is a shoulder fired firearm having a barrel that is smooth bored and is indented?
for the firing of a changed compound of one or more balls or pellets. Measure the
distance between the two farthest shot (pellets) in inches and subtract one, the
number obtained will give the muzzle-target distance in yards.
Determination of the presence of gunpowder and primer components:
Importance:
1. Determination of the distance of the muzzle from the victim’s body when fired.
Usually not more than 24 inches when fired.
2. Determining whether a person has fired a firearm.
3. Dorsum of the hand
- Metallic residues, burning and unburned gunpowder
- In suicide found in the palm
Procedures in determining the presence of gunpowder

1. Gross examination use of hand lens-fine black powder- not conclusive
2. Microscopic examination
3. Chemical test
Test for the Presence of Powder residues:

1. On the skin-dorsum of the hand or wound of entrance
2. Dermal nitrate test (paraffin test, diphenylamine test, lungs test, Gonzales test)
o Melted paraffin heated at 150 degrees Fahrenheit – lungs reagent.
o Small particles with nitrate or nitrite -blue reaction
o Not conclusive: Fertilizers, cosmetics, cigarettes, urine
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o Negative is not conclusive: thorough washing

3. On clothings - Walkers test (C-acid test, H- acid test)
o Glossy photographic paper fixed in hypo solution for minutes to remove
the silver salts and washed for 45 minutes and dries.
o
Test for the presence of Primer Components – metallic primer residue like Barium,
Antimony, and Lead
1. Harrison and Gilroy test: Cotton swab moistened with 0.1 molar HCI to gather the
primer component
o Reagent sodium rhodizonate yields red color with the primer components
o Add 1.5 HCL to the red area – blue violet or pink in lead or barium
o Sample obtained by paraffin or by washing with dilute acid
o Extremely sensitive, even with small quantity
2. Flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS)
3. Use of scanning electron microscope with a Linked x-ray analyzer
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Activity 13.1 –
Identify the following types of Wounds or Injuries
(1) (2) (3)
(4) (5) ( 6)
(7) (8)
Activity 13.2 – In GSWs, differentiate an entrance wound from an exit wound.

Activity 13.3– In GSW, what are the evidence to show that it is Suicidal, Homicidal or
Accidental?
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THERMAL INJURIE OR DEATHS

Thermal injuries deaths are those caused by deviation from normal temperature
capable of producing cellular or tissue changes in the body. Exposure to severe cold
causes frostbite while exposure to high temperature causes burning or scalding.
1. Death or Injury from Cold

➢ Not common in the Philippines
➢ Primary cause of death
- Deceased dissociation of oxygen from hemoglobin in the red blood cells (RBC).
- Diminished power of the tissue to utilize oxygen
➢ Cold damp air is more fatal than cold dry air.
➢ Women are more resistant to cold because of greater deposits of subcutaneous
(SQ) fats.
Effects of Cold:
A. Local effect (Frostbite, Immersion foot, Trench foot)
1st – Blanching, paleness of the skin due to vascular spasm
2nd – Erythema, edema, swelling due to vascular dilatation, paralysis and
Increased capillary permeability.
3 – Blister formation
rd
4th – Necrosis, vascular occlusion, thrombosis and gangrene
Microscopically
- Vacoulization, degeneration of epidermal cells
- Necrosis of the collage of the SQ tissue
- Occlusion of the vessels due to clumping of RBC
B. Systemic effects
- Reflex in nature due to the stimulation and paralysis of the nerves.
- Pulmonary, cardiac action is showed down due to cerebral anoxia resulting
To lethargy, delirium, convulsion, coma, or death.
2. Death or Injury from Heat – effect may be local or general.
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Classification of Heat Injury:

1. General or systemic effects
a. Heat cramps
b. Heat exhaustion
c. Heat stroke
2. Local effects
a. Scalding
b. Burns
- Thermal
- Chemical
- Electrical, lightning
- Radiation
General or Systemic Effects– death is usually accidental.
1. Heat cramps (Miner’s Cramp, Fireman’s Cramp, Stoker’s Cramp)

- Involuntary spasmodic painful contraction of muscles
due to dehydration and excessive loss of chlorides due
to sweating.
- Treatment: Fluids with chlorides
2. Heat exhaustion (Heat collapse, Syncopal fever, Heat syncope, Heat

prostration)
- Due to heart failure because of heat precipitated by
exertion or warm clothes.
- Sudden syncope, face turns pale, dim vision.
- Treatment: Removal from heated areas
3, Heat stroke (Sun stroke, Heat hyperpyrexia, Comatose form,
Thermic fever)
- Working in ill-ventilated places with dry temperature or
exposure to the sun
Local Effects
1. Scald caused by hot liquid – the injury is not as severe as in burns.

a. Scalding liquids runs on the body surface distributing the heat.
b. Easily cook off.
c. Temperature not as high except in oils and melted metals.
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2. Thermal burns – caused by heat or chemical substances like fire,

radiant heat, friction, solid substances, electricity.
Classification of Burns (Dupuytren’s Classification)

1st degree – erythema
2nd degree – vesicle formation
3rd degree – destruction of the cuticle, part of true skin, painful
4th degree – whole skin is destroyed, ulceration, not painful
5th degree – deep fascia, muscle
6th degree – charring of the limbs or extremities
BURNS SCALDS
1. Cause Dry heat (flame, heated solid) Moist heat (liquid, steam)
Radiant heat
2. Location At or above the site of contact At or below the site of contact
3. Singeing of hair is Present Absent
4. Boundary of Not clear Distinct
Normal tissue
5. Injury Severe Limited
6. Clothing Involved Not involved
Proofs that the victim was ALIVE BEFORE burned to Death

1. Presence of carbon particles in the air passage.
2. Increase carboxyl-hemoglobin blood level.
3. Dermal erythema, edema, and vesicle.
4. Subendocardial left ventricular hemorrhage.
BURNS ANTE-MORTEM BURNS POST-MORTEM BURNS

1. Blisters Abundant albumin or chlorides Scanty albumin or chlorides
2. Area of inflamm Around the ante-mortem burn Absent
3. Base of the vesicle Red Not much change in color
4. Tracheo-bronchial Particles of carbon No findings
5. Blood Abundance of carboxyl-Hemoglobin Absent
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Differential Diagnosis of Blisters

1. Due to penetration
- fluid content is blood stained watery fluid
- with putrefactive changes in other parts of the body
2. Due to disease – heat by the size and distribution
3. Due to friction – history of application of heat
4. Chemical burns
Characteristics of Lesions
1. Absence of vesication.
2. Staining of the skin or clothing by the chemical.
3. Ulcerative patches of the skin.
4. Presence of the chemical substance.
5. Inflammatory redness of the skin surfaces.
6. Delayed healing.
CHEMICAL BURNS THERMAL BURNS
1. Blisters Absent Present

2. Skin/Clothing Stained by chemicals No staining
3. Analysis of Substance (+) chemical corrosion Absent
4. Lesion Borders are distinct Diffused
Characteristic Lesions by Different Chemicals

a. Sulfuric acid (Oil of Vitriol)
- Most intense action, considerable destruction
- Ulcerations where acid flowed, clothing’s destroyed
- Blackish-brown sloughs
b. Nitric acid
- Clothing is destroyed, brown
- Yellow or yellowish-brown slough
c. Hydrochloric acid
- Not so destructive
- Intense irritation, localized ulceration, red or reddish gray
d. Caustic soda and potash
- Corrosive action on the tissues with bleached appearance.
4. Electrical Burns – contact burns, spark burns, flash burns

5. .Radiation burns – X-ray, UV light burns.
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PHYSICAL INJURIES OR DEATH BY LIGHTNING AND ELECTRICITY
Lightning – is an electrical charge from the atmosphere.

-1 million volts/ 2000 amperes
Elements of Lightning that produces Injury:

1. Direct effect from the electrical charge.
2. Surface flash burns from the discharge- electrical into heat energy.
3. Mechanical effect- expansion of air- laceration.
4. Compression effect- “sledge hammer blow”
Spasmodic contraction of cerebral vessels- shock
Electricity- main cause of death is shock.

-Above 300 volts are like the effect of lightning.
Factors which influence the effect of electrical shock:

1. Personal Idiosyncrasy- personal condition.
2. Disease- cardiac is prone.
3. Anticipation of shock- can withstand.
4. Sleep- increase resistance.
5. Amperage or intensity of the electrical current- principal factor
= 70-80 in AC and 250 in DC
6. Resistance of the body
7. Nature of current- AC is more dangerous.
8. Earthing- shock is enhanced.
9. Duration of contact.
10. Point of entry- left more dangerous than the right.
Mechanism of death in electrical shock:

1. Ventricular fib- leads to rupture of muscle fibers.
2. Respiratory failure due to bulbar paralysis.
3. Mechanical asphyxia due to violent and prolonged convulsion.
Metallization- specific feature of electrical injury.

-The metal of the conductor is volatilized, and particles of the metal are
driven.
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Delayed effects of electrical injuries:

-Necrosis of the area develops into gangrene
-Damaged arteries becomes brittle, friable, and liable to rupture.
-Nervous injuries= retrograde amnesia, hemiplegia.
-May enter the head- cataract.
(1) (2)
(3) (4)
Activity 13.4 – Identify the types of physical injuries, as shown on the pictures above.
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SUMMARY
Gunshot wounds (GSW) death or physical injuries Is brought about by powdered

propelled substances like firearm shot as covered by the penal provisions of laws stated in Secs.
2692 and 2690 of RAC or detonation of high explosives like grenades.
On the other hand, thermal injuries deaths are those caused by deviation from normal
temperature capable of producing cellular or tissue changes in the body. With these, exposure to
severe cold causes frostbite while exposure to high temperature causes burning or scalding.
Finally, physical injuries or deaths due to lightning and electricity are due to electrical
charges from the atmosphere or electrical circuits. The flash of lightning is due to the passage from
a thunder to the earth of a direct electric current of enormous potential. Death due to lightning is
not by itself of medico-legal interest for it is an accidental death. Nobody can be held liable for for a
fortuitous event. However, the investigation may be useful to eliminate the possibility that death is
due to felonious act of another person.
The main cause of death in electricity is shock. The factors causing the injuries are
voltage and amperage or intensity of the electrical current.
Assignment 13.1 - How is Russian roulette done? Is it legal? Justify your answer/s.
Assignment 13.2 – Are you in favor of death penalty by electrocution? Justify your answers.
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Post correct, reflective, and Post information that is Post information that is
substantive contribution; factually correct with factually correct. Lacks full
Content advances discussion in development or concept or development of concept or
contribution insightful ways thoughts thoughts
Sentence structure and Sentence structure and Some correct uses of, but
Grammar grammar excellent; correct grammar, generally strong, also problems in sentence
and use of punctuation and no with only occasional lapses structure, grammar,
punctuation spelling errors. in punctuation and spelling. punctuation and spelling.
Page | 23
PASSI CITY COLLEGE
RUBRIC FOR FEEDBACK THROUGH CHAT
Your answer will be rated using the rubrics below
Excellent Average Needs Improvement Below Expectations

Criteria
10pts 7pts 5pts 3pts
Student proactively Student proactively

Student rarely Student never
contributes to class by contributes to class by
Level of contributes to class contributes to class by
offering ideas and asking offering ideas and asking
Engagement by offering ideas and offering ideas and
questions more than one questions more one per
asking questions. asking questions.
per class. class.
The speaker appears

The speaker is
The speaker is generally anxious and
The speaker is anxious and somehow anxious
anxious and comfortable, comfortable,
comfortable, presentation and comfortable,
presentation is decent presentation is too
Style is in the right length, and presentation is short
length, and the student’s short or the entire
student demonstrates and most of the
own words were used for paragraphs were read
ability to speak. words were taken
the summary. verbatim from the
from the article.
article.
Response shows Response shows a

Shows complete Shows substantial
some understanding complete lack of
Demonstrated understanding of the understating of the
of the questions, understanding of the
Knowledge questions, concept of the questions, concept of the
concept of the questions, concept of
subject matter. subject matter.
subject matter. the subject matter.
Student’s voice is
Student uses a clear voice Student’s voice is clear low. Student in Student mumbles,
and correct, precise student pronounces most correctly in terms. incorrectly
pronunciation of terms so words correctly. Most Audience members pronounces terms, and
Elocution
that all audience members members can hear the have difficulty speaks to quietly for
can hear the presentation presentation or hearing the majority of students to
or explanation. explanation presentation or hear.
explanation
Page | 24
PASSI CITY COLLEGE
References:
Solis, Pedro P. Textbook in Legal Medicine, 1986 Ed., pp. 240-287
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+death+due+to+gunshot+wounds&oq=pictures+of+d
eath+due+to+gunshot+wounds&aqs=chrome..69i57.19653j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+death+due+to+explosion+or+shrapnel&oq=pictures
+of+death+due+to+explosion+or+shrapnel&aqs=chrome..69i57.21802j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=U
TF-8
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430914/
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+death+due+to+cold+weather&oq=pictures+of+deat
h+due+to+cold&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j33i22i29i30.19411j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+death+due+to+heat+or+electricity&oq=pictures+of+
death+due+to+heat+or+electricity&aqs=chrome..69i57.34011j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+death+due+to+lightning&oq=pictures+of+death+du
e+to+lightning&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i22i29i30.17128j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.ndtv.com/topic/lightning-deaths
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+heat+injury&oq=pictures+of+heat+injury&aqs=chro
me..69i57j0i22i30.42966j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/heat-stroke?phrase=heat%20stroke&sort=mostpopular
Page | 25

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PASSI CITY COLLEGE

City of Passi, Iloilo

SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

CML 6 – LEGAL MEDICINE

MODULE 13: PHYSICAL INJURIES or DEATH caused by GUNSHOT, EXPLOSION or SHRAPNEL,

At the end of the lesson, students should be able:

DEATH BY COLD EFFECTS OF HEAT

PENAL PROVISIONS OF LAWS RELATIVE TO FIREARMS:

a. Sec.2692 RAC – unlawful manufacture, dealing in acquisition, disposition or

CLASSIFICATION OF SMALL FIREARMS:

Types of small firearms which are of medico-legal interest:

A weapon to cause injury must have two principal component parts:

ENTRANCE WOUND EXIT WOUND

The angle of approach of the bullet Absent

Tattooing or smudging maybe present when Absent.

Underlying tissues are not protruding Underlying tissues maybe seen

Paraffin test maybe positive Negative

b) Contraction of the elastic tissues of the skin

1. Examination of the clothing’ if involved in the course of the bullet

EXIT WOUNDS OR OFFSHOOT OF WOUND

ODD AND EVEN RULE IN GSW

How To Determine The Number Of Fires Made By The Offender:

Problems confronting Forensic Physician in the identification of GSW:

Special consideration on bullets

Evidence showing that the GSW maybe SUICIDAL:

RUSSIAN ROULETTE- unfortunate victim has no predetermined desire of self-

Evidence that GSW is HOMICIDAL

Evidence to show that GSW is ACCIDENTAL

Points to be considered and included in the report of the Physician

Questions that a physician is expected to answer in court:

Determination of the length of survival of the victim:

Determination as to the length of time a firearm had been fired

Determination of the presence of gunpowder and primer components:

Procedures in determining the presence of gunpowder

Test for the Presence of Powder residues:

o Negative is not conclusive: thorough washing

Identify the following types of Wounds or Injuries

(1) (2) (3)

Activity 13.2 – In GSWs, differentiate an entrance wound from an exit wound.

THERMAL INJURIE OR DEATHS

1. Death or Injury from Cold

4th – Necrosis, vascular occlusion, thrombosis and gangrene

2. Death or Injury from Heat – effect may be local or general.

Classification of Heat Injury:

General or Systemic Effects– death is usually accidental.

1. Heat cramps (Miner’s Cramp, Fireman’s Cramp, Stoker’s Cramp)

2. Heat exhaustion (Heat collapse, Syncopal fever, Heat syncope, Heat

1. Scald caused by hot liquid – the injury is not as severe as in burns.

2. Thermal burns – caused by heat or chemical substances like fire,

Classification of Burns (Dupuytren’s Classification)

Proofs that the victim was ALIVE BEFORE burned to Death

BURNS ANTE-MORTEM BURNS POST-MORTEM BURNS

Differential Diagnosis of Blisters

CHEMICAL BURNS THERMAL BURNS

1. Blisters Absent Present

Characteristic Lesions by Different Chemicals

4. Electrical Burns – contact burns, spark burns, flash burns

PHYSICAL INJURIES OR DEATH BY LIGHTNING AND ELECTRICITY