A Critical Analysis of the Legal Frame Work On Forensic Autopsies in Uganda

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ............................................................................................................... ii

Approval .................................................................................................................. ttt

Dedication ............................................................................................................... iv

Acknowledgement ..................................................................................................... v

List of legislation ...................................................................................................... ix

List of acronyms ........................................................................................................ x

Abstract. .................................................................................................................. xi

CHARPTER ONE ....................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY ............................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background to the study ..................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................... 3

1.3 Purpose of the study ........................................................................................... 5

1.4 Research objectives ............................................................................................ 5

1.5 Research questions ............................................................................................. 5

1. 6 Scope of the Study ............................................................................................. 5

1. 7 Significance of the study ..................................................................................... 6

1.8 Methodology ...................................................................................................... 6

1.9 Literature Review ............................................................................................... 7

1.10 Chapterization ................................................................................................. 15

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CHARPTER TWO ..................................................................................................... 16

MEANING AND CONCEPTS OF FORENSIC AUTOPSY .................................................. 16

2.1 Meaning and purpose of forensic autopsy ........................................................... 16

2.2 Types of forensic autopsies ................................................................................ 17

2.3 Process of forensic autopsy ................................................................................ 18

2.3.1 External examination ...................................................................................... 18

2.3.2 Internal examination ....................................................................................... 19

2.3.3 Reconstitution of the body .............................................................................. 22

2.4 Other animals .................................................................................................... 23

CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................... 24

UGANDAN LAW ON FORENSIC AUTOPSY .................................................................. 24

3.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 24

3.1 The constitution of Uganda ................................................................................ 24

3.2 The Inquest Act chapter 11 ................................................................................ 24

3.3 Review of various cases in Uganda ..................................................................... 26

CHAPTER FOUR ...................................................................................................... 30

INTERNATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE ON FORENSIC AUTOPSY ................................. 30

4.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 30

This chapter presents the international legal framework on the law concerning forensic

autopsy in other states around the world .................................................................. 30

4.1 Approach to the autopsy .................................................................................... 30

4.2 General considerations ....................................................................................... 31

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4.3 Involvement of other specialists ......................................................................... 32

4.5 Photography ..................................................................................................... 32

4.6 Collection of trace evidence from the body .......................................................... 33

4.7 Post-mortem histology ....................................................................................... 33

4.8 Health and safety issues .................................................................................... 34

4.9 Retention of material after autopsy ..................................................................... 34

CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................ 36

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................. 36

5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 36

5.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................. 36