forensic autopsy

[fə-ˈren-sik ˈȯ-ˌtäp-sē]
nounfemininepl: forensic autopsies / autópsias forenses
autópsia forense
1. A post-mortem examination of a deceased person's body performed by a medical examiner or coroner to determine the cause of death, particularly in cases involving criminal investigation or suspicious circumstances
The forensic autopsy revealed that the victim died from blunt force trauma to the head.
A autópsia forense revelou que a vítima morreu por trauma contuso na cabeça.
2. A detailed medical and legal investigation of a corpse including toxicology, pathology, and evidence collection for use in criminal proceedings
The forensic autopsy took eight hours and involved multiple specialists examining different body systems.
A autópsia forense levou oito horas e envolveu múltiplos especialistas examinando diferentes sistemas do corpo.
In Brazil, forensic autopsies are performed by the Instituto Médico Legal (IML) and are crucial in the criminal justice system. The procedure is governed by specific laws and protocols, particularly in homicide cases. In the USA, they are conducted by county or state medical examiners and are essential for criminal investigations and public health surveillance.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
post-mortem examinationmedico-legal autopsycriminal autopsyforensic examination
Antonyms / Antônimos
clinical autopsyhospital autopsy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
autópsia forense
Standard term used throughout Brazil in medical and legal contexts
São Paulo
autópsia forense / perícia tanatológica
More formal legal terminology often used in official documents
Rio de Janeiro
autópsia forense
Standard usage in medical examiner's offices and courts
Portugal
autópsia forense / necropsia forense
Both terms are used; necropsia is more common in older medical literature

Related Words

pathologistcoronermedical examinercause of deathtoxicologyevidence collectionautopsy report

Related Idioms & Phrases

cause of death determination
medical-legal investigation
post-mortem findings
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