Medical-Forensic Articles
Articles
Plain-language explainers on the medical-forensic questions that come up most often, each grounded in the peer-reviewed literature.
Delayed and Hidden Injury After Non-Fatal Strangulation
In published case series, most non-fatal strangulation leaves little or no visible injury. What absent marks do and do not establish, per the literature.
Why a Normal Exam Is Common in Child Sexual Abuse
A normal genital examination is the most common finding in children evaluated for suspected sexual abuse. What the peer-reviewed evidence says about why, and what a normal exam does and does not prove.
Why Bruises Cannot Be Reliably Dated by Their Color
Peer-reviewed evidence shows visual and photographic dating of a bruise to a specific time window is unreliable. What this means for injury-timeline testimony, and why it constrains experts on both sides.
How Often Adult Sexual Assault Exams Show Genital Injury
In published series, most adult sexual assault complainants have no genital injury on examination, and genital injury also occurs after consensual intercourse. What the peer-reviewed evidence does and does not support.
Bruising in Infants Who Are Not Yet Mobile
Accidental bruising is rare in infants who cannot yet cruise or walk. What the peer-reviewed evidence shows about sentinel injuries, the TEN-4-FACESp rule, and what a bruise in a young infant does and does not mean.
Head Injury from Short Falls in Young Children
Short household falls are a common history in child head-injury cases. What the peer-reviewed evidence shows about fall height, injury patterns, and fatality risk, and the limits of that evidence.
For the public
The same evidence standard, written for laypersons and prepared citizens rather than for counsel.
Why Bleeding Control Is the CPR of Trauma
Severe bleeding can kill in minutes, before EMS arrives. The battlefield evidence behind Stop the Bleed, the tourniquet myths that stop bystanders from acting, and the three skills anyone can learn in an hour.
Strangled, but No Marks? Why That Doesn't Mean No Danger
In a 300-case prosecution series, most strangulation victims had little or no visible injury. Why the danger can still be internal and delayed.