Medico Legal at Cape Verde
Cape Verde is currently developing its medico-legal infrastructure to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its justice system.
๐๏ธ National Institute of Forensic Medicine
The Cape Verdean government has prioritized the establishment of the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences (INMLCF). This initiative aims to improve criminal investigations and expedite judicial processes. The institute is planned to be fully operational across all islands within the next decade, with efforts to accelerate its implementation timeline. The project is supported by Portugal and is set to be housed in the former University of Cape Verde facilities in Praia.
โฐ๏ธ Post-Mortem Examinations
In Cape Verde, post-mortem examinations are mandatory when a death occurs suddenly or under suspicious circumstances. These examinations are requested by the Public Prosecutor and are conducted promptly after death. However, there are only two pathologists in the country, which can lead to delays of up to 10 days for arranging these examinations. Complementary tests, such as histological or toxicological analyses, are not available locally. Additionally, organ donation is not practiced, and any organs removed for examination are replaced before the body is sutured.
โ๏ธ Legal Framework and Oversight
The Ministry of Justice and Labor oversees the operations of judicial police, notaries, and other legal professionals in Cape Verde. The Supreme Court of Justice serves as the highest authority for civil, criminal, and administrative matters, ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
๐ Civil Registration and Vital Statistics
Cape Verde has a centralized system for registering vital events, including births and deaths, managed by the Directorate of Registries, Notaries, and Identificatio. ๎Death registrations require a medical death certificate and are processed electronicall. The system facilitates the collection and analysis of vital statistics, supporting public health and legal processes .
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