Can one punch kill?
Can one punch kill? (Blog post originally published in 2011) I recently read a post in the Portland Press Herald about a man who was killed after a single punch to the face. Obviously, the answer is yes, one punch can kill, because we are seeing it more and more often. But that doesn’t necessarily […]
Unveiling Child Maltreatment Through Medical Records
In our line of work as forensic nurse consultants, we understand the crucial role medical records play in identifying and addressing possible child maltreatment cases. Reviewing these records can be a daunting task for you as a criminal attorney or investigator, especially when it involves potential child abuse. Today, we delve into the topic of […]
5 Essential Seizure Insights for Criminal Attorneys
What you need to know! Welcome to May’s newsletter. This month I’m highlighting an area of medicine that often cross into the criminal fields. This is not meant to be an in-depth review, but rather bullet pointed facts so you can get an overview and apply it right away. Ok, let’s dive in. Causes of Seizures Toxicology Seizure […]
Falling When Shot…Factual or Fiction?
I’ve Been Shot! In movies or on TV when someone is shot they immediately fall to the ground in agony or death! But is that actually what happens to the body or is that simply drama for the benefit of our entertainment? Of course, if a person is hit in a part of the body […]
Child Abuse or Accidental Burn?
Child Abuse or Accident – Burns in Children Child abuse is a serious offense for everyone involved. A child is at risk of losing his parents and the parents are at risk of losing their child. A child trusts their parents even when the parents abuse them because the parents are the only caregivers they […]
Can Steroids Impact Criminal Behavior?
The Effect of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids on Criminal Behavior As anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use has become a major problem in recent years, it is now considered to be a substance use disorder that affects tens of millions of people. Some of these people develop violent or criminal behaviors that are not consistent with their usual personality […]
Understanding Common Injuries of Sexual Assault
Common Injuries Seen as a Result of Sexual Assault Did you know that injuries can be present after both consensual and nonconsensual sexual contact? It is true! It is also true that injuries, more commonly, are not seen on a forensic examination after a sexual assault has occurred. Something so physical should absolutely “leave a […]
Why Anatomy Matters in Sexual Assault Cases
Anatomy Matters in Sexual Assault Cases The female genital anatomy is commonly misidentified and misunderstood to the general population, but when it comes to the intricacies of sexual assault, one needs to be well versed. But, for example, what does it mean when there is a laceration noted at 6 o’clock at the posterior fourchette? […]
Effect of Brain Damage on Personality
How can brain damage be used to create reasonable doubt? In 1990, a 40-year-old schoolteacher suddenly began using prostitutes and making inappropriate advances to his stepdaughter. The courts ordered him to go to Sexaholics Anonymous or go to prison. He failed the program because he kept asking people for sex. The hospital found a large […]
The Long-Term Effects of Repetitive Head Trauma
Traumatic Brain Injury in Criminal Cases After Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), people can experience personality changes, social anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, general anxiety, mood swings, emotional lability, and feelings of being overwhelmed. The bottom line is that the brain no longer functions exactly the way it did prior to the head injury. The location of […]
