Physician crimes and criminals. The historical and forensic aspects

The physician, like any other human being, is subject to emotional problems, greed, jealousy, and instability of an individual under stress as well as mental disease which may all bring out improper behavior or criminal activity. Over the last two centuries, there have been instances where physicians have committed deliberate acts of murder on wives, relatives, patients, and others. Their motivation has ranged from ridding themselves of a nagging wife or for insurance and inheritance gains to insane acts. The methods used have usually been associated with poisons and drugs, of which the physician may have great familiarity. The frequency of physician-involved murders seems to have increased in the past two decades with several sensational cases being the topics of media coverage and further review in books and visual media, including television and the movies. The investigation of these cases may be very difficult, especially when a drug may be given to a victim which could cause severe problems after small amounts are given. The detection of death as being a murder may be the first problem faced, the demonstration of the fatal agent in the body in the next problem, and probably the most difficult is finding a suspect with the medication in his or her possession or paraphenalia for injecting such as a syringe and needle. The stealth and cunning of the murderer may further complicate the picture for the investigator as well as the reputation of the physician in the community, which is often above reproach so that the public has to be convinced of the actual involvement of the suspect.     

Detection of hereditary enzyme characteristics in vaginal secretion

Upon investigation of semen- and blood-free vaginal swabs using starch gel electrophoresis the Phosphoglucomutase type was clearly identified in about 40%. Using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis PGM could not be demonstrated. In all cases the results correspond with those obtained in blood. No relation was found between secretor type (determined in saliva) and PGM typing. In vaginal material the following could not be determined: Adenylatkinase (AK) using starch gel electrophoresis, Esterase D (EsD) using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis, and Glyoxalase I (GLO) using agarose gel thin-layer electrophoresis.     

Intrapleural golf ball size loose body. An incidental finding at autopsy

An intrapleural free floating golf ball size body was an incidental finding at autopsy. The pathogenesis and clinical significance of this lesion are discussed.     

The liability of the duressor

Liverpool Law Review - It has been argued that a better understanding of the nature of excuses gives rise to solutions to many problems concerning the liability of secondary parties. The duressor...     

Stab wounds and personal identity determined from skeletal remains: a case from Kansas

Evidence for cause of death in skeletonized remains is uncommonly found and cases that involve stabbings are particularly rare. In the following report, evidence is presented for a fatal stabbing, determined from analysis of a recent homicide. Because multiple stab wounds were present and several different bones were involved, estimates of the dimensions of the murder weapon were also possible. We also review some distinct vertebral anomalies used for personal identification.