Two Legal Movements Shaping Future Forensic Pathology Practice

Abstract

The authors opine that forensic pathology practice will be impacted by large legal forces proceeding into the future: 1) increased judicial scrutiny and 2) the development of a regulatory environment. Forensic science has been increasingly challenged outside of forensic pathology and there is reason to believe that it will spill over into forensic pathology. Recent Supreme Court rulings appear to provide defendants with greater opportunity to challenge forensic pathologists in court. Calls for mandatory accreditation and certification are increasing and legislation will likely be promulgated to enforce it. Standard protocols may well become mandatory and a basis for defense challenges. As forensic pathologists are being recognized as increasingly important to the criminal justice system, their responsibility and accountability are correspondingly increasing.