The forensic pathologist is a medical detective who investigates deaths that may be sudden, unexpected, unexplained, or violent. Using scene investigation and autopsy procedures, the forensic pathologist must answer the following four questions:

1. Who died (a question of identity)?
2. How and why did the death occur (a question of the cause of death)?
3. What were the circumstances that brought about the death (a question as to the manner of death)?
4. When did the death occur (a question of the time of death)?

Forensic Medicine is intended as an introduction to forensic medicine, which is also known as forensic pathology. Many of the medical terms used in this specialty are defined, and basic physiologic processes are explained. Although basic in its presentation, many controversial issues are explored.