Special topics

There are a variety of special topics that arise in forensic pathology practice. Many of these involve challenging investigations with a potential for public controversy. They include: deaths in detention centers/correctional facilities/police custody, hyperactive delirium, suicidal behavior in law enforcement encounters, police investigations and the medical examiner/coroner, homicide by heart attack, suicidal behavior in the midst of a police encounter, physical struggle/altercations, neglect and abuse of the debilitated teen or adult, approach to hemorrhage of unclear origin, delayed homicides, and the approach to and challenges encountered in homicides with attempted concealment of bodies by dismemberment, fire, and burial. The investigation and certification of these deaths are discussed.