A 18 Year Retrospective Review of Medico-Legal Autopsies in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Medico-legal autopsy otherwise known as coroners autopsy dates back to 4000BC. It was performed to protect the future what is known as horuspicy. All deaths due to unnatural causes and deaths that are believed to be due to natural causes but the cause of death is not certain or known are subject to inquest. The objective of an inquest is to ascertain a verdict whether the death was due to a natural, accidental, suicidal or homicidal cause. The inquest system exists in all parts of the world. In English legal system the person who conducts an inquest is called a coroner. In Nigeria medico-legal autopsy dates back to 1917. Objective: The study was undertaken to determine the rate of medico-legal autopsy and to examine implication to medical education. The results of medico-legal autopsies from pathology department of Jos University Teaching Hospital, (JUTH) Plateau State. Nigeria were examined, analyzed from autopsy from 1986-2014. Simple tables were used for the analysis. Results: There were 421 cases of medico-legal autopsies giving an annual ratio of 23 per annum. 313 (73%) were males and 108 (26%) female giving a male to female ratio of 3:1. Accidental death 210, Sudden death 44, homicidal death 35, Anaesthetic death 50, Institutional death 44, Death in police custody 38. Conclusion: The study concluded that Medico-legal autopsy is beneficial to law enforcement and jurisprudence, medical education and even the family of the deceased. Exposure to medical students and resident doctors will help in the understanding of the legal implications of patients management.