Introduction: Killing of a baby by its own mother is known from biblical times to the modern era. Challenges faced by the forensic pathologist in an investigation of a case of infanticide include proof of live birth, age of the baby, link between the mother and the baby, and the commission or omission of an act causing the death of the baby by its own mother. The case under discussion illustrates how these challenges were met. Case report: The fresh body of an infant was found in the deep freezer compartment of a refrigerator in a house. Autopsy examination revealed a mature baby boy with multiple cut injuries in the neck. Lungs were fully expanded and there was aspirated blood in the distal air passage indicating signs of live birth. Medico-legal examination of the mother revealed breast engorgement and recent vaginal delivery including the presence of placenta. Psychiatric referral revealed moderate depression of the mother. Conclusion: The case was an unusual case of infanticide where the mother killed her baby using a drastic method and concealed the body. Forensic investigations assisted in establishing live birth and maternal depression possibly associated with puerperal psychosis.

Introduction: Sudden deaths in hospital following a short duration of seemingly improving illness arouse suspicion of medical maltreatment. It is mandatory to have a medico-legal investigation in to such deaths. Facts, explanations, and opinions made by the forensic pathologists at the end of an autopsy examination are of crucial importance to eliminate or confirm such doubts. We report how a thorough autopsy examination including ancillary testing can lead to effective administration of justice in such cases.Case History: A 42 year woman with diabetes mellitus was admitted to hospital with fever and right knee joint swelling and tenderness of one week's duration. There was cellulitis over the right knee joint and underlying septic arthritis. Surgical drainage of the joint was done and intra venous antibiotics were given and the condition seemed to be improving. On the 4 th day of admission, she developed sudden onset of shortness of breath and central chest pain resulting in death 12 hours later. At autopsy she was pale and icteric. There was evidence of septic arthritis with surrounding necrotizing fasciitis and deep venous thrombosis of the right calf. There was consolidation of the right lung with patchy focal pale yellow areas with surrounding erythema, and evidence of multi-organ sepsis. Microscopy confirmed multi organ involvement and revealed pneumonia of the right lung with early abscess formation and multiple bilateral peripheral septic thrombo emboli. There was septic thrombosis of the calf veins with associated thrombo phlebitis. Conclusion:Facts revealed at autopsy explained the sudden death and the possibility of such death was scientifically clarified. The cause of death was concluded as septic pulmonary thrombo embolism due to deep venous septic thrombosis and thrombophlebitis due to septic arthritis and necrotizing fasciitis.

Introduction : Expert medical evidence is widely used in sexual abuse cases, but its contribution to the progress of legal cases is unclear. Poor understanding of the remarks given by the medical officers in a Medico Legal Examination Form (MLEF) in alleged sexual abuse cases by the police officers may affect effective administration of justice. Objective: This study is mainly aimed at assessing the degree of understanding by the police officers' when reading three commonly expressed medico-legal remarks in cases of alleged sexual abuse. Secondly, to identify the areas of poor understanding, for which interventions need to be carried out. Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 64 police officers, in the rank of police constables and sergeants from western province, who are attending to routine work of a police station (criminal investigations, children and women's desk and traffic unit). Data collection was done by self administered questionnaire after a briefing regarding the study and instructions on how to fill the questionnaire. Results: 72% of the officers believed that they understood the statements written on Medico-Legal Examination Form (MLEF) when it is in native language while only 32% believed so for statements in English. However the analysis of the correct responses revealed that only 28.9% of officers understood the exact meaning in native language while it was 10.4% for English. The understanding about the statement on absence of medical evidence to confirm or exclude the allegation when given in Sinhala was 26.6% while it was 10.9% in English. The statement on evidence of vaginal penetration has been correctly understood by 20.3% in Sinhala while it is 7.8 % in English. Conclusion: Statements made in native language are approximately three times better understood than the ones made in English. However, overall understanding of the remarks made by doctors was very poor. It is high time we take necessary actions to intervene if our goal is effective administration of justice.

Parents or guardians should be cautious when allowing the children to handle modern technology. At the same time young children should be supervised thoroughly as their little experiments or mischievous behaviors could lead to fatal injuries. A 6 year old boy was found dead wedged upright between a remote controlled sliding gate and its post at his own house which was tightly pressed against his mid chest. The remote control device was found on the floor beside him. Post mortem examination revealed a compatible patterned abrasion on the back of the chest 40 cm above the heel which can be explained from the projection of the gate post. There were conjuctival petechiae, and marked congestion of the upper chest and face. Internal examination was negative except for the marked congestion. Cause of death was concluded as traumatic asphyxia. Traumatic asphyxia due to accidental entrapment in a remote controlled sliding gate is rare in forensic literature. This case highlights the importance of close supervision of children and incorporation of properly functioning safety mechanisms in devices with modern technology.