| CODE | PAT5751 | ||||||
| TITLE | Advanced Forensic Medicine | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Pathology | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit is oriented towards the practical problems encountered in the application of forensic medicine and science to legal cases, with emphasis on the interpretation of evidence. It also includes an introduction to the practical issues related to community based corrections and the Probation Act. The following topics are addressed: Forensic Pathology: The sessions are focused on a practical approach for students interested in the practice of criminal law and will utilise case studies to discuss time of death, mode of death, mass disasters, identification, wounding, including head injuries and complications of injuries. Substance Abuse: This topic is approached from a pharmacological, medical and legal aspect, with an outline on the effects on society. Health Legislation: The study-unit is backed by reference to current domestic health legislation related to medical practice, legal duties of doctors and regulation of medicines and drugs and clinical trials. Specific issues in relation to biotechnology and to patient consent and confidentiality will be explored, the latter through study of the Mental Health Act. Forensic Science: This is an overview of the different types of scientific evidence and their importance in crime investigation, including collection and interpretation of evidence. Added emphasis is given to toxicology and DNA technology. Probation and Probation Services in Malta: Topics that will be covered include the suspended sentence, the probation order, community service and combination orders. The role of the probation officer with offenders, the judiciary, the prosecution and the defence will also be addressed. Finally the role of the pre sentencing reports prepared by probation officers will be explained and discussed. Crime at Sea: There is a general outline of international crime at sea and will focus on legal aspects, in terms of international maritime laws and regulations, concerning maritime jurisdiction, international maritime crime and maritime law enforcement. Terrorism: After introducing the concept of terrorism, this topic will compare and contrast how the military and the criminal justice models deal with terrorism. The role of the Maltese security forces will be explained and there will be discussion of Maltese Legislation related to terrorism and ancillary offences. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the study-unit the student should acquire the following: - an appreciation of the value of medical and scientific evidence in the investigation of crime; - an understanding of basic scientific concepts underlying collection and interpretation of evidence; - an appreciation of the role of the medical and scientific expert; - an awareness and understanding of legislation related to medical practice; - an understanding of the role of probation and the probation services in Malta; - an awareness of the role of the security forces and the criminal justice system in; - dealing with terrorism in Malta. Reading List: Simpson's Forensic Medicine by Richard Shepherd. 12th Edition.Publishers Arnold ISBN 0340764228 Knight’s Forensic Pathology. P. Saukko, B. Knight. 3rd Edition. Publishers Arnold. ISBN 0340760443 Forensic Science: An Introduction to Criminalistics. P. R. De Forest, R.E. Gaensslen and H.C.Lee. Publishers McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0070162670 Interpreting Evidence. B. Robertson, G.A. Vignaux. Publishers Wiley. ISBN 0471960268 Health, Ethics & the Law, M. Cauchi, B. Ellul, K. Aquilina, Malta University Press, 2006, ISBN 9789990945409 www.forensicmed.co.uk http://justiceservices.gov.mt/lom.aspx?pageid=24 for Maltese Legislation |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisites BA Legal Studies or equivalent and Basic Forensic Medicine Course (PAT4751 or equivalent) |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Trevor Calafato Bridget Ellul (Co-ord.) John Charles Ellul Reuben Lanfranco Janet Mifsud |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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