2016 Exam Paper

 

FACULTY OF COMMERCE, ADMINISTRATION & LAW

DEPARTMENT OF LAW

SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS – 2016

LPFM 402 – FORENSIC MEDICINE

 

DURATION: 3 HOURS                                                                       FULL MARKS: 100

                                                                                                            SUBMINIMUM: 

Internal Examiner

Mrs. L Ramaccio Calvino

Internal Moderator

Prof. D Iyer

External Moderator:

Dr. V Kalapdeo (District Surgeon)

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Please ascertain that this paper consist of THREE pages.

2. Please clearly number the questions correctly.

3. Please answer each question on a new page.

4. Write neatly.

 

 

Question 1:

A human body is discovered at sea. On examination of the body a snake bite is noticed on the leg of the deceased. A branch of a tree was also found gripped in the deceased’s hand. Answer the following questions based on the aforesaid circumstances with reference to authority where applicable:-

1. Discuss the actions that need to be taken in having a death certificate issued in respect of the deceased bearing in mind the principles of the Inquest Act 58 of 1959.                                                                                                                 (15)
    
2. Mention and elaborate on the different postmortem artefacts that would have already taken place if it was discovered that the body was three months at sea.                                                                                                                           (20)

  

Question 2:

Mr. Apple fell of his bicycle. He knocked his head on a stone, fractured three vertebras and his femur. He underwent a neurosurgical procedure to fuse the three vertebras as well as an orthopedic procedure to repair the fractured femur. During the procedures Mr. Apple died. What complication/s may the pathologist have to consider as Mr. Apples’ cause of death? Explain the complication/s.                                                                                      (15)

 

Question 3:

A body of a gunshot victim is discovered. It appears as if the victim was shot at close range to the head. Discuss the unique appearance of a contact firearm entrance wound to the head?                                                                                                                     (20)

 

Question 4:

Mary is caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Her father instructs you to represent her during her trial. Mary is adamant that she only drank two glasses of wine. She instructs you that she weighs 65 kg. According to the pathologist report her blood-alcohol concentration is 0.10g%.  How would you confirm or refute Mary’s instructions?                                                                                                                                (15)

 

 

 

Question 5:

A girl, aged sixteen, is treated at the emergency ward after being raped. Discuss and interpret the clinical findings of the rape victim.                                                    (15)

 

THE END