When a person dies from a gunshot wound, the investigation of the death falls to the local medicolegal death investigation system. In a large urban setting this is usually a medical examiner's office, headed by a chief medical examiner and staffed by forensic pathologists who have completed specialized postresidency fellowship training. In other jurisdictions, the responsibility belongs to the elected coroner and his or her designated forensic pathologist. Distinguishing among accidental, suicidal, and homicidal gunshot wounds; estimating range of firing; and distinguishing exit wounds from entrance wounds are critical skills and just a few of the reasons why a forensic pathologist must be an expert in interpreting gunshot injuries. An error in any of these determinations can have far-reaching consequences for the family of the deceased, the accused, the legal system, and the forensic pathologist. This article seeks to lay basic groundwork for understanding the pathology of gunshot wounds.
Spitz And Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation Of Death: Guidelines For The Application Of Pathology T
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