SUBJECT PERCENTAGE

CRIMINAL LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE 20%

LAW ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION 15%

CRIME DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION 20%

FORENSIC SCIENCE 15%

CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATION 10%

CRIMINOLOGY 20%

TOTAL 100
 CRIME DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION PERCENTAGE NO. OF ITEMS
FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 2.0% 10
& INTELLIGENCE
SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION 1 WITH LEGAL 2.0% 10
MEDICINE
SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION 2 WITH 2.0% 10
INTERROGATION AND INTERVIEW
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ACCIDENT 3.0% 15
INVESTIGATION WITH DRIVING
FIRE PROTECTION AND ARSON INVESTIGATION 3.0% 15

VICE AND DRUG EDUCATION AND CONTROL 3.0% 15

TECHNICAL ENGLISH 1 (LEGAL FORMS) 1.0% 5

TECHNICAL ENGLISH 2 (IVESTIGATION REPORT 2.0% 10

WRITING)
INTRODUCTION TO CYBERCRIME AND 2.0% 10
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
TOTAL 20% 100
 Special Crime Investigation
■Deals with the study of major crimes based on
the application of special investigative techniques.

■It is also the study concentrates more on physical

evidence; its collection, handling, identification and
preservation in coordination with the various criminalists in
the crime laboratory

■ Special crime investigation focuses on specific crimes

which by their nature are difficult and complex to investigate
 LEGAL MEDICINE

 a branch of medicine dealing with the application of

medical knowledge for legal purposes. The application of
medicine to legal cases.
 Medical Jurist/ Medical Examiner/
Medico- Legal Officer/ Medico- Legal Expert

 A physician who specializes or is involved primarily with

medico- legal duties. To be involved in medico- legal duties, a
physician must possess sufficient knowledge of pathology,
anthropology, toxicology and such other branches of medicine
germane to the issues involved.
 Ordinary Physician vs
ORDINARY PHYSICIAN
 The purpose is to arrive at
a definite diagnosis so that
appropriate treatment can be
instituted.
 Minor or trivial injuries
are usually ignored
Medical Jurists
MEDICAL JURISTS
 The purpose is to include
bodily lesions in his reports and
testify before the court or before
an investigative body, thus
giving justice to whom it is due.
 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.
 A. HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

It is the official inquiry made by the police on the facts

and circumstances surrounding the death of the person
which is expected to be criminal or unlawful
Homicide Investigation has three bridges which shall not
be crossed; otherwise it will compromise the investigation
and these are the following; (MEC RULE)

• The first bridge is the body has been moved.

• The second bridge is when the cadaver has
been embalmed.
• The third bridge is when the dead person is burned or
cremated.
 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 as accidental or natural,
a guilty person is set free.
4.Remember that the police is the first line of defense in
the effective application of criminal justice.
 The following officials of the government
are authorized to make death
investigation:
1) The Provincial and City Fiscals.
2)Judge of the Courts of the First Instance ( now
Regional Trial Courts )
3) Justice of the Peace ( now Municipal Trial Court )
4)The Director of the National Bureau of Investigation– Rep. Act.
157 ( An act creating the National Bureau of Investigation)
5) The Chief of Police of the City Stations
6) Solicitor General
A.TITLE EIGHT: CRIMES AGAINST
PERSON
(Destruction of Life)
 ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE
Parricide is committed when:
a. A person is killed
b. The deceased is killed by the accused
c.The deceased is the father, mother, or child,
whether legitimate or illegitimate; a legitimate other
ascendant or descendant; or legitimate spouse of the
accused. (People v. Malabago, G.R. No. 115686, December 2,
1992)
 ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE
Parricide is based on the relationship of the offender and
the offended party. The relationship must be: (LDB)
• Legitimate except in case of parent and child where relationship
may
either be legitimate or illegitimate.
• In the Direct line or between ascendants and descendants. There is no
parricide in the killing of brothers and sisters because the relationship
is collateral.
• By Blood except for spouse. Thus, there is no parricide in the killing
between adopter and adopted, or between step-parent and step child
because the relationship is not by blood.
 ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE
NOTE:
A. 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 dishonor is considered
mitigating.
 ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE
NOTE:
B. 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.
 ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE
NOTE:
C. 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.
 ARTICLE 246 - PARRICIDE
NOTE:
D. 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 246 - PARRICIDE
NOTE:
Parents killing their Children or vise-versa
– Child/parents may be legitimate/illegitimate

Spouse killing the other spouse

– Their relationship must always be
legitimate

Killing of other descendants or ascendants

– their relationship must always be legitimate
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.
Note:
1. Article does not define or penalize a felony.
2. Not necessary that the parent be legitimate
3. Article applies only when the daughter is single

* If the offender surprised a couple in sexual intercourse, and

believing the woman to be his wife, killed them, this article
may be applied if the mistake of facts is proved.
Note:
4. Sexual intercourse does not include preparatory acts

5.IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER: means that the

discovery, escape, pursuit and the killing must all form parts of one
continuous act.

6.No criminal liability is incurred when less serious or slight

physical injuries are inflicted. 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 reckless

imprudence, if a third party is injured.
 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
There is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against
the person employing means, methods or forms in the execution thereof
that tend directly and especially to insure its execution without risk to
himself arising from the defense which the offended party might make.
• * Killing a person with treachery is murder even if there is no
intent to kill. (People vs. Cagoco, 58 Phil. 530)

• If the offender may have not intended to kill the victim but he only
wanted to commit a crime against him in the beginning, he
will still be liable for murder if in the manner of committing the
felony there was treachery and as a consequence thereof the
victim died. This is based on the rule that a person committing a
felony shall be liable for the consequences thereof although
different from that which he intended.
 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.

• The only problem insofar as the killing by fire is concerned is whether

it would be arson, or murder.
• When a person is killed by fire, the primordial criminal intent of
the offender is considered.
 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 her 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).

NOTES:
*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.
• Under the Article 40 of the Civil Code, birth
determines personality. A person is considered born at the
time when the umbilical cord is cut. He then acquires a
personality separate from the mother.
• But even though the umbilical cord has been cut, Article 41
of the Civil Code provides that if the fetus had an intra-uterine
life of less than seven months, it must survive at least 24 hours
after the umbilical cord is cut for it to be considered born.
 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
Elements:
1. That the person was killed;
2. That the accused killed without any justifying circumstances;
3. That the accused had the intention to kill, which is presumed;
4.That the killing was not attended by any of the
qualifying circumstances or murder, or by that of the
parricide or infanticide.
 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURES
1. Establishing the Facts of Death
 The first essential step of the homicide investigation is to
establish that the victim is indeed, dead. Police officers do
not have the legal authority to pronounce death, only
physicians/ medical doctor can establish the fact of death.
 For this reason, the police officer should never assume death
unless the condition of the victim’s body demonstrates death
in a totally obvious manner.
 Medico-Legal Aspects of Death

• Death- It is defined as absence of life in a living matter.

-It is the termination of life and complete loss of
vital function of the body.
 MANNER OF DEATH:
• Natural Death - Natural causes of death include heart attacks, strokes,
fatal diseases, pneumonia, sudden crib deaths and old age.

• Accidental - Among the causes of accidental death are falling;

drowning; unintentionally taking too many pills or ingesting a
poisonous substance; entanglement in industrial or farm machinery; or
involvement in an automobile, boat, train, bus or plane crash.

• Suicide - The intentional taking of one’s own life

• Homicide - Occurs when one human being causes the death of
another human being. Is another term for the killing of one person by
another.
 Kinds of Death
1. Clinical Death or Somatic Death
• there is a complete and continuous cessation of the vital functions of
the brain, heart, and lungs which maintains life and health.

2. Molecular or Cellular Death

• Is the type of death characterized by death of individual cells (one at a time)
after the somatic death.

3. Apparent Death/ State of Suspended Animation

• A transient loss of consciousness or temporary cessation of the vital
function of the body on account of disease, external stimulus other forms of
influence.
 Kinds of Death
1. Clinical Death or Somatic Death
• there is a complete and continuous cessation of the vital functions of
the brain, heart, and lungs which maintains life and health.

2. Molecular or Cellular Death NOTE:

• Is the type of death
If thecharacterized
person diesbywithin
death 24
of individual cells (on e at a time)
hours without
after the somatic death.
suffering from a recognizable cause,
such death would be called a sudden
3. Apparent Death/ State of Suspended Animation
death.
• A transient loss of consciousness or temporary cessation of the vital
function of the body on account of disease, external stimulus other forms of
influence.
 Signs of Death
I. Cessation of Respiration
• Cessation of respiration in order to be considered as a sign of death must
be continuous and persistent.

• A person can hold his breath for a period of no longer than 3 – ½ minutes.

• Conditions wherein there is temporary cessation of respiration:

1. Voluntary act, as in divers, swimmers- but it cannot be longer than two

minutes
 Methods of Detecting Cessation of Respiration:
• Expose the chest and abdomen and observe the movement
during inspiration and expiration.
• Examine the person with the aid of stethoscope which is placed
at the base of the anterior aspects of the neck and hear sound
of the current of air passing through the trachea during each
phase of respiration.
• Examination with a Mirror (Nostril and Mouth)
• Examination with a Feather or Cotton Fibers (Nostril)
• Examination with a glass of water
• Winslow’s test
 Signs of Death

II. Cessation of Heart and Circulation

• There must be an entire and continuous cessation of the heart
action and flow of blood in the whole vascular system.
• 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:

1. Palpation of the Pulse

Pulsation of the peripheral blood vessels may be made at the region
of the wrist or at the neck.

2. Auscultation for the Heart Sound at the Precordial Area

The rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart is audible
through the stethoscope.
 Methods of Detecting the Cessation of heart
Action and circulation:

3. Fluoroscopic Examination
Fluoroscopic examination of the chest will reveal the shadow of
the heart in its rhythmic contraction and relaxation.
4. 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. This is the best
method of determining heart action but quite impractical.
 Methods of Detecting circulation:
1.Magnus’ Test- a ligature is applied around the base of a finger
with moderate tightness.
2.Opening of small Artery- in the living blood escapes in jerk and
at a distance.
3.Icard’s Test- this consists of the injection of a solution of
fluorescein subcutaneously. Fail to produce yellowish-green
discolouration in a dead body.
4.Pressure on the Fingernails- if pressure is applied on the
fingernails intermittently, there will be a zone of paleness at the site
of the application of pressure which become livid on release.
 Methods of Detecting the Cessation of heart
Action and circulation:
5.Diaphanous Test- fingers are spread wide and the finger webs
are viewed through a strong light.

6.Application of Heat on the skin- if heated material is applied on

the skin of a dead man, it will not produce true blister. There are no
sign of congestion, or other vital reactions.

7. Palpation of the radial pulse

8. Dropping of the melted wax
 Signs of Death

III. INSENSIBILITY OF THE BODY AND LOSS OF

POWER TO MOVE
After death the whole body is insensible. No kind of stimulus is
capable of letting the body have voluntary movement. This
condition must be observed in conjunction with cessation of heart
beat and circulation and cessation of respiration.
 Signs of Death
IV. CHANGES IN A CADAVER
A. COOLING OF THE BODY
( ALGOR MORTIS OR POST MORTEM FRIGIDITY)

• The cooling of the body after death at approximately 1.5 degrees

F/hr. under normal conditions and assuming the body’s temperature
at death is 98.6F (37C)

• The fall of temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit is considered

a certain sign of death.
 Signs of Death
IV. CHANGES IN A CADAVER
A. COOLING OF THE BODY
( ALGOR Postmortem
MORTIS ORCaloricity
POST MORTEMis the riseFRIG
of IDITY)
temperature of the body after death due to
rapidofand
• The cooling theearly putrefactive
body after deathchanges or mately 1.5
at approxi
F/hr. undersome internal
normal changes.
conditions andIt is body’s temperature
usually thedegrees
assuming
at death observed
is 98.6F (37C)
in the first two hours of death.

• The fall of temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit is considered

a certain sign of death.
 FACTORS AFFECTING RATE OF
COOLING OF THE BODY
•A. Factors related with
body Factors Delaying Factors Accelerating Cooling
Cooling Acute Pyrexial Leanness of the body
Diseases Extreme age
Sudden death in good health Long-standing or
Obesity lingering illness
Death from asphyxia
Death of the middle age
 FACTORS AFFECTING RATE OF
COOLING OF THE BODY
•A. Factors related to the
surroundings Factors Delaying Cooling Factors Accelerating Cooling
Clothing Unclothed body
Small room Large room permitting
the
Warm surrounding dissipation of heat
Cooling more rapid in
water than in air
 Signs of Death

V. Changes in the Eyes

• Loss of Corneal and light reflexes (Blinking)

• Haziness of the cornea
• Fixation of the pupil
• Flaccidity of the eyeball
• Tache noir sclerotique - After death a spot may be found in the
sclera. The spot which may be oval or round or may be
triangular with the base towards the cornea and may appear in
the sclera a few hours after death.
SCLEROTIQUE
 Signs of Death

VI. Changes in skin

A. Change of color (Pallor Mortis)
• Loss of the elasticity of the skin
• Opacity of the skin
• Absence of reaction to injury
 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURES
2. Identifying the Cadaver
Establishing the identity of the victim is important, it will
provide tracing clues to the motive and identity of the perpetrator,
with the identity known, the investigator can focus attention on
the victim’s background and establish a possible motive through
such information.
 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION

I. PRIMARY METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION

1. Fingerprints

2. DNA Analysis/DNA Profiling

3. Dental Identification (Odontology)

 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
II. SECONDARY METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION

1. Through the clothings

2. Through the jewelries
3. Visual identification of relatives
4. Identification based on scars or tattoos
 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURES
3. ESTIMATING THE TIME OF DEATH
ItPOST-MORTEM
is the estimationEXAMINATION - It in a forensic
of the time of death
AUTOPSY
path wher ologist- Internal
will haveexamination in the autopsy
to do during
proc coursewhich
of hithe body is opened for the
edures. e
This fact is examination.
significant because of itss importance in
corro negativ the victim’s
movement prior to e
death. borating or disputing alibis, or in
tion of theestablishing
 1.Physiological Time of Death - The point at which
the the deceased’s body ceased to function

2.Estimated Time of Death - a best guess based

on available information

3.Legal Time of Death - The time at which the body

was pronounced dead.
 POST-MORTEM CHANGES

1. POST MORTEM LIVIDITY

(LIVOR MORTIS or POST PORTEM SUGGILLATION)

-The discoloration of the body because of setting of the blood

on the most dependent regions of the body.

-Usually appears 3-6 hours after death and is fully developed

12 hours after death.
 POST-MORTEM CHANGES
1. POST MORTEM LIVIDITY
(LIVOR MORTIS or POST PORTEM SUGGILLATION)

TYPES:
a.Hypostatic Lividity - blood is still in fluid form inside blood
vessel; change as position of the body changes

b.Diffusion - Coagulated inside blood vessel; change in position

will not change its location
 POST-MORTEM CHANGES
1. POST MORTEM LIVIDITY
(LIVOR MORTIS or POST PORTEM SUGGILLATION)
- It could indicate the cause of death:
A. Cherry Red to Pinkish Color - Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning/Cyanide
B. Dark Lividity - Asphyxia
C. Dark Brown - Phosphorous Poisoning

- It could help the investigator to determine the position of the

body after death.
 POST-MORTEM CHANGES
2. POST MORTEM RIGIDITY ( RIGOR MORTIS)

- The stiffening of the body.

- This sets from 2 to 3 hours after death.

It may fully developed in the body after 12 hours. It may last from 18
hours to 36 hours and its disappearance is concomitant with the onset
of putrefaction.
Conditions Simulating Rigor Mortis:
1.Heat Stiffening- If the dead body is exposed to temperature above
75° C it will coagulate the muscle proteins and cause the muscles rigid.

2.Cold Stiffening- The stiffening of the body may be manifested when

the 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.
Cadaveric Spasm or Instantaneous Rigor
(Post-mortem spasm, cataleptic rigidity, or instantaneous rigidity)

 This is the instantaneous rigidity of the muscles which occurs

at the moment of death due to extreme nervous tension,
exhaustion and injury to the nervous system or injury to the
chest.
 Rigor Mortis vs Cadaveric
Spasm:
RIGOR MORTIS CADAVERIC SPASM
Time of Appearance Time of Appearance
- three to six hours after death - appears immediately after death
Muscles Involved Muscles Involved
- all the muscles of the body whether - only a certain muscle or group of muscles
voluntary or involuntary and are asymmetrical

Occurrence Occurrence
- A natural Phenomena which occurs after -may or may not appear on a person at the
death time of death

Medico- Legal Significance Medico- Legal Significance

- approximate the time of death - nature of crime
 POST- MORTEM CHANGES
3. COOLING OF THE BODY
( ALGOR MORTIS OR POST MORTEM FRIGIDITY)

• The cooling of the body after death at approximately 1.5 degrees

F/hr. under normal conditions and assuming the body’s temperature
at death is 98.6F (37C)

• The fall of temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit is considered

a certain sign of death.
 POST-MORTEM DECOMPOSITION

• Decomposition sequence of physiochemical events that begins with death

and ends with dissolution of non-skeletal parts of the body. It begins with
greenish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. The epidermis
becomes detached from the membrane and slips off the body.

• Autolysis or autodigestive changes after death

• more commonly known as self-digestion, refers to the destruction of
a cell through the action of its own enzymes. It may also refer to the
digestion of an enzyme by another molecule of the same enzyme.
Putrefaction
• It is the breaking down of the complex protein into simpler
components associated with the evolution of foul-smelling gases
and accompanied by the change of color of the body.

• Temperature for specific decomposition is 70 to 100 C

• Tropical countries decomposition set in 24-48hrs after death

• Marbolization – prominence of the superficial veins with reddish

discoloration during the process of decomposition.
Factors Affecting Rate of
Putrefaction
I. Internal Factors
• Condition of the body
• Body temperature

II. External Factors

• Air and Moisture
• Condition and type of Soil
• Presence of Water
• Effect of Clothing
• Effect of Coffin
• Depth of Burial
• Mass Grave
 Special forms of
Putrefaction
• Mummification- a condition at which the body fluids is
removed before decomposition sets in resulting to
shrinking and preservation of the dead body.
• Natural Mummification – the dead is buried or exposed to a
dry, hot, sandy soil with considerable air movement.
• Artificial Mummification –when the preservation is done
with the introduction of some chemical like formalin,
alcohol, phenol, mercury, arsenic, and glycerin and covering
the skin with the Vaseline or plaster of paris before
decomposition sets in.
Saponification (Adipocere formation)- is the formation of a soft,
friable, and brownish- white greasy substance in the soft fatty tissues
of the body after death. This substance is called adipocere that is
formed by hydrogenation of the body fats.
Maceration - It is a condition of the dead body,
usually the fetus, characterized by the
softening and discoloration of the tissues as
well as formation of blisters in the skin due to
the action of autolytic or proteolytic enzymes in
the absence of bacteria.
AUTOPSY
• A comprehensive study of a dead body performed by trained
physician using recognized dissection procedures and techniques,
primary to determine the true cause of death
• Indicates that, in addition to an external examination, the body is
opened, and internal examination is conducted.
POSTMORTEM EXAMINATION
• It refers to an external examination of a dead body without
incision being made, although blood and other fluids may be
collected for examination.
KINDS OF AUTOPSIES

1. HOSPITAL OR NON-OFFICIAL done on a human body with

the consent of the deceased person’s relatives for the
purpose of:
• determining the cause of death
• providing correlation of clinical diagnosis clinical
and symptoms
• determining the effectiveness of therapy
• studying the natural course of disease process
• educating students and physicians.
2. MEDICO LEGAL OR OFFICIAL an examination performed
on a dead body purpose of:
• determining the cause, manner or mode and time of
death
• recovering, identifying, and preserving evidentiary
material
• providing correlation of facts and circumstances
related to death
• providing a factual, objective medical report for law
enforcement, prosecution, and defense agencies
• separating death due to disease from death due to
external cause for protection of the innocent.
Person authorized to conduct autopsy

1. Medico-legal officers of law enforcement

2. Medical staff of accredited hospital

3. Health officers in remote or rural areas

When Shall an Autopsy be Performed on
a Dead Body
a) Whenever required by special law
b) Upon order of a competent court, a mayor and a provincial
or city local.
c) Upon written request of police authorities.
d) Whenever the solicitor general, provincial or city fiscal
as authorized by existing law, shall deem it necessary to disinter
and take possession of a remains for examination to determine
the cause of death.
e) Whenever the nearest kin shall in writing the
authorities concerned in order to certain the cause of death.
Autopsy Report

It is the medical document or report stating the cause

of death of the victim.
Types of official
autopsy according to
results
A. Negative Autopsy
Autopsy is called a negative autopsy if after all efforts including gross and
microscopic studies and toxicological analyses, fail to reveal a cause of
death.
B. Negligent Autopsy
An Autopsy where in no cause of death is found on account of
imprudence, negligence, lock of skill or lack of foresight of the examiner.
CAUSE OF DEATH

This is a specific medical diagnosis denoting a disease or injury

E.g. Strangulation, gunshot wound
PROXIMATE CAUSE OF DEATH
The initial injury that led to a sequence of events, which caused the death
of the victim

IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF DEATH

The injury or disease that finally killed the individual
FACTS

A man burned extensively as a result of a house fire dies two

weeks later due to sepsis (complication of an infection).
What is the proximate cause of death?
What is the immediate cause of death?
Method of Disposal of the Dead Body

• Embalming- artificial way of preserving the body after death.

• Burial– the body must be buried within 48 hours after death (1-1
½ meters depth of grave)
• Cremation- Is the burning of the dead body into ashes or
pulverization of the body into ashes by the application of heat or
flames.
• Disposal of the dead body to the Sea.
• Use of the Dead body for Scientific Purpose.
EXHUMATION (DESINTERRING)

• It is the raising or disinterring of the dead body

or remains from the grave.
PHYSICAL
INJURY
• is an injury of the body caused by physical agents which is
the application of stimulus to the body producing damage
or injury to the tissue

• Wound- is a break or solution in the continuity of the skin

or tissues of the body.
 Classification of Wound or Physical injury

• A. As to Severity
• Mortal Wound
• Non-Mortal Wound
• B. As to Kind Instrument used
• Blunt instrument – lacerated
• Sharp-edge instrument – incised
• Sharp-pointed instrument – punctured
• Sharp-Edge and Sharp-Pointed
• – stab
• Rough object – abrasion
 LACERATED WOUNDS
Edges are roughly cut, irregular and ill- defined
Blunt instrument is used
 STAB WOUND
Due to sharp pointed and sharp- edged instrument. Clean cut,
regular and distinct
 INCISED WOUND
(Cut/slash /slice)
Produced by Sharp-edged instrument
Clean cut
 PUNCTURED WOUND

Produced by Sharp-pointed
instrument
hole-like
• Barotrauma – brought about by change of atmospheric
pressure
• Normal atmospheric pressure is about 760 mm/Hg

• Shrapnel wound – brought about by chemical

explosion
BAROTRAUMA
SHRAPNEL WOUND
C. As to the relation of the site of application
of force and injury
• Coup Injury- Injury at the site of application.
• Contre coup- injury found opposite the site of application.
• Coup Contre Coup- injury both at the site and opposite site
of application.
• Locus Minoris Resistencia- Injury is found on
some area offering the least resistance to
the force applied.

• Extensive Injury- involves a great area of the

body beyond the site of the application of
force
As to depth of
wound
• Superficial wound – involves the outer
layer of the skin
• Deep wound – involves outer as well as
the inner structure of the body.
Special Type of Wounds

• Defense Wound – result of instinct self-protection

• Patterned wound – with nature and shape
of object/instrument
• Self-inflicted wound – produced on oneself but no intention
to end life
FEATURES
OF
PATTERNED WOUND
SELF INFLICTED WOUND
E. Medico-legal Classification

• Mutilation – Act of looping, cutting off any part or parts of

the living body
• Slight Physical Injury (1-9 days)
• Less Serious Physical Injury (10-30days)
• Serious Physical (more than 30 days) – deformity and
Injury incapacity
• Administration of
injurious substance or
beverages.
F. As to the type of the
•Wound
Closed Wound: there is no break in the continuity of the skin or
mucous membrane.
• Petechiae- are minute, pinpoint, circumscribed extravasation of blood
in the subcutaneous tissues or underneath the mucous membrane.
• Contusion (Bruise)- Wound in the substance of the true skin and in
the subcutaneous cellular tissues characterized by swelling and
discoloration of tissue due to extravasation of blood.
• Hematoma- large extraversion of blood in a newly formed cavity
secondary to trauma characterized by swelling, discoloration and
effusion of blood underneath the tissues
PETECHIAE
CONTUSI
ON
HEMATOM
A
• Open Wound: There is a breach of the
continents of the skin (abrasion, stab wound,
incised wound)

• Abrasion – removal of the superficial layer of

the skin brought about by friction against a
hard object
INJURIES CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO
EXTREME TEMPEATURES
• Frostbite – exposure of certain parts of the body to cold temperature
causing cold stiffening, necrosis, gangrene and pallor.
• Trench Foot – condition usually seen among those seen walking over
the snow wherein the feet are exposed to extreme cold
• Immersion foot – foot is submerged in cold freezing liquid,
FROSTBITE
TRENCH FOOT
GUNSHOT AND SHRAPNEL WOUNDS
• is an open wound brought about by the penetrating power of the
projectile propelled by the expansive force of the burning powder in
the cartridge shell
ENTRANCE WOUND EXIT WOUND
 Wound Is smaller than  Wound is bigger than
the the
missle missle
 Entrance wound is inverted  Wound is averted
 Entrance wound is round  Exit wound has no
or oval definite shape
 Gunpowder tattooing  No tattooing
is
present in contact or
near
contact fire
 Paraffin Test – positive  No gunpowder tattooing
in
wound of entrance in
Short Range Fire (1 to 15cm Distance)

• 1. Edges of wound is inverted

• 2. If within the flame reach (6 inches in rifle and high- powered gun
and less than 3 inches from ordinary handgun), there is area of
burning)
• 3. Smudging due to smoke
• 4. Powder tattooing is present but dense and limited dimension of
spread)
• 5. Abrasion ring or collar is Present (Contact Ring)
Medium Range (more than 15cm but less than
60cm
• 1. Entrance is inverted with abrasion
• 2. Burning effect is absent
• 3. Smudging may be present if less than 30cm
• 4. Gunpowder tattooing is present but lesser density and widespread
• 5. Contact ring is present
Fired more than 60cm

• 1. Gunshot wound is circular or oval

• 2. Wound of entrance has no burning, smudging or tattooing
• 3. Contact ring is present
The “odd and even rule” in gunshot wounds

• If the number of gunshot wound of entrance and exit found in the

body of the victim is even, the presumption is that no bullet is lodged
in the body. But if the number of gunshot wound entrance and exit is
odd, the presumption is that one or more bullets might have lodged
in the bod.
EVIDENCE OF ACCIDENTAL
SHOOTING
a. usually one shot
b. No special area of the body is involved.
c. Testimonies of witnesses.
EVIDENCE OF HOMICIDAL GUNSHOT
WOUND
a. Site of the entrance wound has no point of
selection
b. Discharge of firearm is made when victim is
some distance away.
c. Sign of struggle may be present.
d. Signs of disturbance in the surroundings maybe
present.
INJURIES OR DEATHS DUE TO ELECTRICITY

• SHOCK – the main cause of death from the electricity.

Burn
• An injury caused by the application of heat or by a chemical or
physical agent having an effect similar to heat.
• In medico-legal field, injuries caused by friction, electricity, lightning,
corrosive substances and radiation are also classified as burns.
• Clothed body burns more completely than unclothed one. Obese
person will burn more completely than a thinner person because fat
acts as an accelerant.
Burn
• Classification of burns
• Superifical – affecting only the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin
• Deep – involve the dermis(deep vascular inner layer of the skin),
tissues, and bones
DEGREES IN BURNS
• FIRST DEGREE BURN
• Injuries involve only the epidermis and are characterized by erythema,
edema, and pain. They are produced by prolonged exposure to low
intensity heat or very brief exposure to high intensity (mild sunburn) and
manifests as red discoloration and superficial inflammation. When it heals,
skin peeling typically occurs. Wound healing is completed in approximately
5 to 10 days with no residual scarring.
•
• SECOND DEGREE BURN
• The most superficial second degree burns totally affects the epidermis as
well as the upper third of the dermis. Such burns involve blister
formation and are extremely painful. It heals approximately 7 to 10 days
with minimal scarring
DEGREES IN BURNS
• THIRD DEGREE BURN
• Destroy the full thickness of the epidermis and the dermis. Heat
coagulation of the dermal blood vessel leaves the tissue avascular with
a characteristic waxy white appearance. These burns require skin
grafting because skin regeneration is not possible
•
• FOURTH DEGREE BURN
• Charring injury
• Due to the incineration of tissues.
• There is a complete destruction of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, as
well as complete or patrial charring of the bone.
TYPES OF BURNS
• Dry burns
• Dry heat sources result in dry burns.
• *ovens, stove tops, hot engines, mufflers. Radiator grills, clothe irons, hair
dryers, heating pads.

• Scalds
• Produced by moist heat or steam, or any hot liquid such as water, oil. Or
even molten rubber or metal. The scalded area appears erythematous
(abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of blood vessels)
with desquamation (loss of bits of outer skin) and blistering of the
usually sharply demarcated area of inury.
TYPES OF BURNS
• Chemical Burns
• Are produced through contact with corrosive acids and alkalis. Most of these
injuries onvolve direct tissue damage, which causes drying and
blistering, destruction of protein or fat, or interference with cellular
metabolic processes. It may take several hours before the burn manifests.

• Fire Burns
• Burns that occur from building or home fires are the most common types of
thermal injuries encountered in death investigations

• Radiant Burns
• Caused by a heat source close to the victim or electromagnetic energy radiating
out from an energy source. (does not require direct contact with a heat source)
RAPE AND SEX CRIMES INVESTIGATION
 The investigation of rape and other sex crimes represent a significant
challenge for the criminal investigator. The manner in which the
investigation is conducted can have an impact, not only on successful
conclusion in court, but also on the psychological and social well-
being of the victim. Sex crimes, unlike most other criminal activity, are
likely to leave an emotional scar than can last a lifetime.
 Focusing on the crime of rape, it is important to recognize that
virtually all sex related offenses demand special attention. To begin
with, interviewing the victims, witnesses, and even offenders,
requires a high level of compassion and skills.
Rape is also committed by any person who, under any of the
circumstances mentioned in the preceding paragraph, shall commit an
act of sexual assault by inserting his penis into another person’s mouth
or anal orifice, or any instrument or object, into the genital or anal
orifice of another person.
 The following are the essential elements of the
crime of rape:

1. Elements of Rape under the first paragraph:

1. That the offender is a man (under Republic Act No. 8353,entitled “ the Anti- Rape Law of
1997,” the crime of rape can now be committed by a male or female.)
2. That the offender had carnal knowledge of a woman.
3. That such act is accomplished under any of the following circumstances:
a) By using force or intimidation.
b) When the woman is deprived or reason or otherwise unconscious.
c) By means of fraudulent machinations or grave abuse of authority.
d) When the woman is under 12 years of age or demented.
The following are the essential elements of
the crime of rape:
2. Elements of rape under second paragraph:
1. That the offender commits an act of sexual assault.
2. That the act of sexual assault is committed by any of the following means:
a) By inserting his penis into another person’s mouth or anal orifice.
b) By inserting any instrument or object into the genital or anal orifice of another person.
3.That the act of sexual assault is accomplished under any of the
following circumstances:
a) By using of force or intimidation
b) When the woman is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious.
c) By means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority.
d) When the woman is under 12 years of age (16 years of age) or demented.
Statutory Rape
when the victim of rape is twelve years of age and below, it is statutory
rape. The reason for this is that even if the child consented to the
sexual intercourse, her consent is not valid because by her age, she
could not give a valid consent.
Medico-Legal Aspects of Sex Crimes
 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 “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. A woman is presumed to be a virgin when unmarried and of
good reputation.
Kinds of Virginity
1. Moral Virginity
The state of not knowing the nature of sexual life and not having
experienced sexual relation. Moral virginity applies to children below the
age of puberty and whose sex organs and secondary sex characters are
not yet developed.
2. Physical Virginity
A condition whereby a woman is conscious of the nature of the sexual life
but has not experienced sexual intercourse. The term applies to women
who have reached sexual maturity but have not experienced sexual
intercourse.
Kinds of Physical Virginity:
True Physical Virginity
A condition wherein the hymen is intact and the edges distinct and
regular and the opening small to barely admit the tip of the smaller
finger of the examiner even 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 lesser
degree of resistance. The hymen may be laxed and distensible and may
have previous sexual relation. In this particular instance the physician
may not be able to make convincing conclusion that the subject is
virgin.
Kinds of Virginity
3. 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. The woman may be embraced, kissed, may allow her breast
to be fondled, her private organ to be held and other lascivious acts.
The woman allows sexual intercourse but only “inter-femora” or even
“inter-labia” but not to the extent of rupturing the hymen.
Kinds of Virginity
4. Virgo Intacta
Literally the term refers to a truly virgin woman; that there are no
structural changes in her organ to infer previous sexual intercourse and
that she is virtuous woman. Inasmuch as there are no conclusive
evidences to prove the existence of such condition, 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
• Breast
• Viginal Canal
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Fourchette
• Hymen
Breast – (mammary glands) are functionally related to the reproductive
system since they secrete milk for nourishment of the young child.
A fully develop breast may be classified according to shape as follows:
 Hemispherical Breast – contour lines are not straight but form part of a
circle or half of a sphere.
 Conical Breast – has the shape similar to a cone, outline consist of two
converging lines which meet at the region of the nipple.
 Pendulous Breast – skin of the breast is loose making it capable of swinging
in any direction.
 Hemispherical Pendulous Breast
 Conical Pendulous Breast
Predisposing causes of vulvo-vaginal
injuries during sexual act
• Position during the sexual act
• Brutality of the male partner during sexual act.
• Recent vaginal surgery
• Excessive active involvement of the female partner.
• Multiple sexual act among sex (Nymphomaniac or Satyriatic) or
multiple consort.
• Renewed sexual activity after prolonged abstinence.
• Post-menopause
Predisposing causes of vulvo-vaginal
injuries during sexual act
• Virginity – sex organ does not have previous experience
to stretching or coital act.
• Prepuberty – genital organ is not yet fully developed
in physiological function.
• Genital disproportion – male organ is unusually big or
female organ infantile in size inspite of adult age.
• Unprepared or unaroused female – vaginal secretion is absent,
causing more friction.
THANKYOU
AND GOD
BLESS
FUTUR E
RC rims!