Forensic Pathology

Dr. Max M. Houck is an internationally-recognized forensic expert with research interests in forensic science, education, and the forensic enterprise and its industries. He has worked in all aspects of forensic science, including at the FBI Laboratory. Dr. Houck has published widely in books and peer-reviewed journals. His anthropology and trace evidence casework includes the Branch Davidian Investigation, the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon, the D.B. Cooper case, the US Embassy bombings in Africa, and the West Memphis Three case, among hundreds of others. He served for six years as the Chair of the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Dr. Houck is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a founding Co-Editor of the journal Forensic Science Policy and Management.

Section 1. Overview

Introduction

Principles of Forensic Science

Forensic Classification of Evidence

Interpretation/The Comparative Method

Clinical Forensic Medicine—Overview

Forensic Pathology—Principles and Overview

History of Forensic Sciences

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions

Section 2. Postmortem Interval

Introduction

Postmortem Interval

Early and Late Postmortem Changes

Estimation of the Time Since Death

Vital Reactions and Wound Healing

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions

Section 3. Autopsy

Introduction

External Postmortem Examination

Autopsy

Histopathology

Postmortem Imaging

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions

Section 4. Trauma

Introduction

Blunt Injury

Burns and Scalds

Asphyctic Deaths—Overview and Pathophysiology

Strangulation

Traumatic and Postural Asphyxia, Physical Restraint

Immersion Deaths

Sharp Trauma

Systemic Response to Trauma

Gunshot Wounds

Domestic Violence

Child Abuse

Defense Wounds

Self-Inflicted Injury

Torture

Traffic Injuries and Deaths

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions

Section 5. Causes of Death

Introduction

Sudden Natural Death

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Hyperthermia and Hypothermia

Electrocution and Lightning Strike

Deaths Associated with Medical Procedures

Neonaticide

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions

Section 6. Identification

Introduction

Identification

Forensic Age Estimation

Personal Identification in Forensic Anthropology

Identification of the Living

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Disaster Victim Identification

Airplane Crashes and Other Mass Disasters

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions

Section 7. Professional Issues

Introduction

Crime Scene to Court

Expert Witness Qualifications and Testimony

Health and Safety

Deaths in Custody

Suicide

National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)

Key Terms

Review Questions

Discussion Questions