Reading+NotesBH

when performing an autopsy--&gt; they are looking for the cause of death.

Locard's principle- everywhere you go you leave something and you take something. (fingerprints, fibers, ect.)

--&gt; you can place somone at the scene of the crime. ( the towel smears the finger prints.. ) oils from your fingers. --&gt; oils aren't solluble in water..

Death- life ceases Absense of life No breathing/ pumping of blood stops... (no pulse) No more Brain Activity Forensic Pathologist--&gt; aka coroner (studies the cause of death) 1. How did it happen--&gt; events leading up to it. 2. when it happened 3. Cause of death--&gt; more medical 4. type of death a. natural b. suicidal c. homocidal d. accidental e. undetermined 5. victim identification

Establish time of Death: 1. Body Temperature--&gt; liver temp.   2. Entomology--&gt; insects 3. Digestion--&gt; ( not as reliable because of metabolism) 4. Discoloration 5. Eye --&gt; levels of Potassim in your Ocular fluid.

1. Rigor Mortis--&gt; the muscles relax and then become rigid..(begins within 24 hrs. gone after 36 hrs.) 2. Livor Mortis--&gt; heart stops pumping blood settles in places closest to the ground.. continues about 12 hours 3. Algor Mortis--&gt; process in which the body cools after death until it becomes room temperature. (1-1.5 degrees per hour)