83360 - Forensic Medicine

Learning outcomes

The course of legal medicine aims to provide students of the master's degree in jurisprudence with the basic elements of the medico-legal discipline with the aim of preparing them for the correct interpretation, in the field of civil law, of the answers obtainable from forensic medicine on the subject of assessing damage to the person in its various projections and, in the criminal field, on the subject of attribution of the time, the causes of death, as well as the identification of the means of production (so-called murder weapon), in addition to the so-called biological aggravating circumstances, regarding the crime of personal injury. The course also provides the elements on the subject of causal relationship, consent to health treatments, medical professional liability, imputability.

Course contents

The course is structured around the following key topics:

• Introduction to Legal Medicine: historical background and structure of the discipline.

• Practice of healthcare professions and criminal liability: unauthorized practice, professional secrecy, legal reporting obligations.

• Medical documentation: evidentiary value of clinical records and medical certificates; criminal offences of falsification and omission.

• Informed consent and refusal of medical treatment; compulsory treatments; advance directives and shared care planning under Law 219/2017.

• Medical liability and causal nexus.

• Scientific evidence and judicial inspection.

• Essentials of thanatology, traumatology, forensic genetics and toxicology.

• Bodily harm, domestic violence, sexual violence, crimes against life.

• Voluntary termination of pregnancy.

• Civil compensation for personal injury.

• Occupational injuries and work-related diseases.

• Disability, invalidity, and pension protection.

• Criminal responsibility and mental capacity

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended textbooks:

• Cicognani, Fallani, Pelotti – Medicina Legale, Esculapio, latest edition.

• AA.VV. – Medicina Legale per i Corsi di Laurea ad orientamento Giuridico e Triennali, Idelson-Gnocchi, latest edition.

Additional materials:

• Other updated textbooks in Legal Medicine are also acceptable.

• Additional teaching materials will be provided by the instructor via the Virtuale platform.

 

 

Teaching methods

The course is delivered in a blended format (both in-person and online sessions). The teaching methods include:

• Interactive frontal lectures.

• Guided discussion of legal cases.

• Seminars with active student participation.

• Use of digital materials shared through the Virtuale platform.

Assessment methods

Final oral examination, structured as follows:

• Discussion of a topic chosen by the student, with an emphasis on critical analysis and interdisciplinary connections.

• At least one additional question on other topics from the syllabus, chosen by the instructor.

Grading criteria:

Grade Range

• 18–19 Limited knowledge and guided analysis; generally appropriate language
• 20–24 Partial knowledge; autonomous analysis of essential aspects; appropriate language
• 25–29 Broad knowledge; independent critical analysis; good command of technical terminology
• 30–30L Comprehensive knowledge; ability to connect and critically reflect on topics; excellent use of discipline-specific language and argumentation.

Teaching tools

Virtuale platform with additional resources, slides, legal references, and links to jurisprudential sources.

Computer and projector available for in-class lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Ingravallo

See the website of Paolo Fais