The essential and accessible introductory guide to forensic medicine for legal practitioners, particularly those in criminal law. Designed also to guide medical experts through the various UK legal and court systems, it deals with definitions of offences, the investigation of sudden deaths and the key duties of the expert who gives evidence in court. This sixth edition covers: -An introduction to relevant clinical terms, the systems of the body and autopsy procedure -Chapters on the main areas of forensic medicine including injuries from assaults, firearms, asphyxia, water and fire -Specialist chapters on non-accidental injury to children, sexual offences, odontology, toxicology and the care of detainees -All the relevant statutory and common law offences -The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in conjunction with the relevant Rules and Guidance The Criminal and Civil Procedure Rules and relevant case law on the role and duties of expertsPrimary and secondary legislation relating to care of detainees and investigation of deaths in custody (e.g. Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) Completely revised, this new edition is written from the viewpoint of the legal practitioner and medical expert witness. To this end it provides practical guidance, including diagrams on new developments and problem areas in forensic medicine. It also offers suggestions for further reading which will enable the practitioner to understand expert reports as well as identify potential areas where further expertise is necessary.