How can we ensure that the coroner's autopsy is not an invasion of human rights?

Background: Despite public inquiries, and some changes to legislation following high-profile multiple homicides that were not detected by autopsy, coroners continue to rely largely on the autopsy. Regardless of the extent of quality failings and excess deaths at some hospitals, not detected through the coroner system, the autopsy is scarcely used by hospitals to monitor standards and educate.

Objective: To explore when a compulsory medicolegal autopsy should, and should not, be used.

Digital imaging in the forensic post-mortem room.

This paper describes the development of a specialist forensic post-mortem room, complete with digital imaging facilities, by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. It gives the background to the development of the facility, and briefly details the specifications before discussing the use of digital imaging in evidence and the need for a full-time specialist forensic medical photographer.