Forensic Medicine And Legal Process
Continuing Professional Development at Queen's University Belfast
Forensic Medicine is a branch of medicine dealing with the application of medical knowledge to establish facts in civil or criminal cases.
Queen’s University Belfast has developed a course designed to introduce qualified doctors, dentists, nurses and lawyers to forensic medicine and the legal aspects of medical practice, including the role of the General Medical Council in the regulation of doctors as well as explain the role of the Forensic Pathologist in the investigation of sudden, unexpected and suspicious deaths and how forensic science can assist in the investigation of crime.
The course is wide ranging, providing participants with the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding as to how injuries are interpreted, cases are prepared for court and the court process as well as a special focus on the role of the coroner.
About the course
The Forensic Medicine and Legal Process course will provide an inter-disciplinary context to help professional practitioners develop their generic knowledge, skills and understanding of the interaction between the medical, dental and legal professions in relation to forensic medicine.
The course will include a number of formal lectures and group discussion sessions. In addition, candidates will be expected to take part in case presentations and comment on forensic case scenarios.
There will also be an opportunity for participants to practice their courtroom skills by participating in a mock courtroom presentation and be subject to cross-examination.
-
Module Topics
Module Topics
Introduction to Forensic Medicine
Forensic Pathology
Clinical Forensic Medicine
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic Psychiatry
The Law and Medical Practice
Natural and Unnatural Death
The Medico-Legal Autopsy
Death Certification
The Role and Function of the Coroner
Description of Injuries
Injury Interpretation
Medico-Legal Significance of Injuries
Alcohol and Drug Misuse
Drug/Drinking Offences
Child Abuse (Non-Accidental Injury)
Sudden Infant Death
Sexual Offences
Introduction to Court Procedure both Civil and Criminal
Pitfalls in drafting Medico-Legal Reports
Presentation of Medical Evidence in Court
The Role of the Expert Witness
The General Medical Council
Fitness to Practice
Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service
Forensic Science (Including DNA)
- Teaching Methods and Assessment
Teaching Methods
Examples of opportunities provided for learning include:
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Masterclasses
- Individual Activities including Preparatory Reading and self-directed Learning
- Entrance Requirements, Fees and Funding and Delivery
Fees - £400
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be:
Registered medical or dental practitioners, qualified nurses undertaking forensic work or practising solicitors and barristers.
We would also welcome applications from Coroners' Liaison Officers, Medical Advisers to the Coroners' Service as well as those working for Forensic Science Northern Ireland.
Delivery
The session will run from 6pm-8pm on the following dates:
- 13th September
- 27th September
- 11th October
- 25th October
- 8th November
- 21st November
- Skills You Will Gain
Upon completion of the course the practitioner will successfully be able to:
- Identify the potential causes of death in a number of difference scenarios
- Apply the appropriate legal principles and procedures to medical practice generally and in particular in the event of a death
- Identify the nature of injuries and interpret these understanding their potential Medico -Legal significance in particular
- Non accidental injury in children, sexual offences and sudden infant death
- Prepare Medico-Legal Reports and be able to effectively utilize Medico-Legal Reports in Court.
Module Coordinators
Professor Jack Crane
Honorary Professor of Forensic Medicine and retired State Pathologist in Northern Ireland with international reputation, Professor Jack Crane joined the Northern Ireland State Pathologists department in 1980 as a registrar, later becoming a consultant and then appointed the department head in January 1990. Professor Crane is highly regarded for his valuable contribution during his time as State Pathologist, having developed a forensic pathology service in Northern Ireland regarded with ‘International Renown’. Professor Crane retired after 24 years having held the position during some of the worst violence of the troubles and will be sharing his knowledge and expertise on Forensic Medicine with participants of the course.
Ms Barbara Jemphrey
, Barbara Jemphrey is Director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, LLB, Med Solicitor. Ms Jemphrey will be sharing her knowledge and expertise on the legal process with participants on the course.
Apply Here
Application Process
Have a question?
Contact The School of Medicine
Have a question?
Contact The Institute of Legal Studies