The forensic neuropathology autopsy: I: Selected gross and microscopic examination considerations

On certain occasions, it becomes necessary to explore a particular topic relevant to the forensic neuropathology consultation in great detail. This chapter highlights selected sources and issues that are helpful in routine categories. This chapter includes a review of forensic pathology issues, including autopsy procedures, designed primarily for attorneys; forensic pathology textbooks and articles that include sections on differences between routine hospital and forensic autopsy procedures, and/or techniques more commonly used in forensic autopsies, and articles and monographs more specifically directed to neuropathology aspects of the autopsy. The chapter further illustrates certain legal issues, including potential errors in performance of forensic neuropathology consultation. It is recommended that consulting forensic neuropathologists should avoid the most common potential errors in the performance of forensic autopsies. These issues are emphasized in forensic pathology, but not generally in neuropathology, training programs.