Medico Legal at Portugal
Portugal's medico-legal system is a well-established framework that integrates medical expertise with legal processes to investigate deaths, assess injuries, and support judicial proceedings. Here's an overview:
🏛️ Key Institutions
Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses (INMLCF)
The INMLCF is the central body responsible for forensic medicine in Portugal, It operates under the Ministry of Justice and provides forensic science services to police forces and government agencies. The institute's headquarters are in Coimbra, with main branches in Lisbon and Porto. It collaborates with the legal medicine departments at the University of Coimbra, University of Lisbon, and University of Porto
⚖️ Legal Framework
Autopsy Procedures: In cases of unnatural deaths or deaths with unknown causes, the Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público) is involved in determining whether a medico-legal autopsy is necessary. The decision is based on available information and may involve consultation with healthcare institutions and law enforcement
Mandatory Reporting: Healthcare institutions are required to report certain deaths to the Ministério Público, providing relevant information for the investigation of the cause and circumstances of death. This includes completing a Clinical and/or Circumstantial Information Form
🧠 Education and Training
Master's Degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Offered by the University of Coimbra, this program aims to provide advanced and specialized training for professionals in the field of legal medicine and forensic science. The course is open to graduates in various disciplines, including medicine, law, psychology, and science.
Forensic Medicine Programs Institutions like the University of Lisbon and the University of Porto offer programs in legal medicine and forensic sciences, providing education and training in various aspects of forensic practic.
🧪 Forensic Service
The INMLCF provides a range of forensic services, including:
*Forensic Pathology: Conducting autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.
*Clinical Forensic Medicine: Assessing and documenting injuries for legal purposes.
*Forensic Toxicology: Analysing biological samples for the presence of substances like drugs, alcohol, and poisons.
*Forensic Genetics and Biology: Performing DNA analysis and other biological assessments.
*Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology: Evaluating mental health conditions in legal context.
RELATED Blog
0 comments