84496 - Legal and Forensic Medicine

Learning outcomes

Summarize the legal aspects of confidentiality, informed consent, and medical liability towards patients. Comply with the obligations imposed by law with regard to the preparation of certificates and medical reports, and the mandatory disclosure of information to competent authorities for major crimes of medico-legal interest. Describe the basic principles of forensic traumatology, and thanatology. Compare and contrast the principles of legal and forensic medicine in different countries. Discuss legal issues related to social insurance, work-related injuries and disability.

Course contents

An introduction to forensic sciences

Informed consent and shared decision making

Confidentiality in patient-doctor relationship

Duties to inform the Judicial Authority and principal crimes of forensic interest (homicide, personal injuries)

The evaluation of penal and civil responsability of health professionals: analysis of the law evolution

Possible additional themes:

- new psychoactive substances and forensic science research (with presentation of thesis projects)

- violence against women, children and elderly

Readings/Bibliography

Any updated book can be used.

As bibliography, medico-legal and law texts (e.g. Saukko P. Knight's forensic pathology), and international debate documents on the issues cited during the lessons.

Additionally, scientific articles available on PubMed.

The slides are considered a study material, useful to prepare the exam

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and analysis of casework or sentences.

Group meeting

Assessment methods

The examination takes place together with the modules of medical ethics and occupational medicine.

Written test: questions with multiple choice: 32 questions.

Correct answers of 32: 30 cum laude

Correct answer of 30 questions: 30.

Each answer is worth one point

Teaching tools

Slides available on virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Arianna Giorgetti

See the website of Paolo Fais