Knight's Forensic Pathology

Stefan Pollak, Professor Pekka Saukko, Bernard Knight

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN: 9781040439647
• Topic: Law
• Subtopic: Forensic Science
• Index: Law

Knight's Forensic Pathology has become a standard reference book worldwide. The unambiguous style, practical orientation, and an approach based strictly on scientific evidence together with the experience of the authors have contributed to this success. A cautious and self-critical interpretation of autopsy findings is required for a correct diagnosis, and these findings become the cornerstone for investigating unexplained fatalities. Whenever possible, macroscopic evaluation should be complemented by visiting the scene of death, pre-autoptic imaging, biochemical and toxicological analyses as well as histological examinations.

This latest edition represents a comprehensive revision, incorporating cutting-edge research and contemporary scientific literature in the field. The text has been significantly enriched with an extensive collection of new full-colour photographic documentation, primarily sourced from recent forensic autopsies conducted at the prestigious Freiburg Institute of Forensic Medicine. The commitment to case-based learning is maintained by presenting meticulously documented cases that highlight crucial morphological findings—an approach that remains invaluable in developing the forensic pathologist's critical diagnostic acumen and observational expertise.

Reviews of the previous edition.

"This remains one of the most important books in this field of pathology. It is comprehensive and well written. The images and drawings are carefully chosen and nicely depict common and uncommon problems encountered in forensic pathology. This book is highly recommended for everyone who performs medicolegal autopsies and should be in all pathology and general hospital libraries."
Doody's Book Review Service

"This book is, and will remain for some time, the international benchmark for general forensic pathology and should be on the shelves of every forensic department and library. It is a joy to read and never fails to yield pertinent information and details on cases, conditions and issues" - Roger W. Byard, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, Springer

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half Title page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface to the 5th edition
• Preface to the 4th edition
• Acknowledgements to the 5th edition
• Acknowledgements to the 4th edition
• About the Authors
• Abbreviations
• Chapter 1 The Forensic Autopsy
• Chapter 2 The Pathophysiology of Death
• Chapter 3 Identification of Human Remains
• Chapter 4 The Pathology of Wounds
• Chapter 5 Head and Spinal Injuries
• Chapter 6 Chest and Abdominal Injuries
• Chapter 7 Self-Inflicted Injury
• Chapter 8 Gunshot and Explosion Deaths
• Chapter 9 Transportation Injuries
• Chapter 10 Extrajudicial Execution and Deaths in Custody
• Chapter 11 Burns and Scalds
• Chapter 12 Fatalities from Electrocution and Lightning
• Chapter 13 Complications of Injury
• Chapter 14 Suffocation and ‘Asphyxia’
• Chapter 15 Fatal Pressure on the Neck
• Chapter 16 Immersion Deaths
• Chapter 17 Neglect, Starvation and Hypothermia
• Chapter 18 Deaths Associated with Sexual Offences
• Chapter 19 Deaths Associated with Pregnancy
• Chapter 20 Child Homicide
• Chapter 21 Sudden Death in Infancy
• Chapter 22 Fatal Child Abuse
• Chapter 23 Deaths Associated with Surgical Procedures
• Chapter 24 Dysbaric Fatalities and Barotrauma
• Chapter 25 The Pathology of Sudden Death from Natural Causes
• Chapter 26 Forensic Dentistry in Legal Medicine
• Poisoning and the Forensic Pathologist
• Chapter 28 Forensic Aspects of Alcohol
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Poisoning by Agricultural Chemicals
• Poisoning by Medicines
• Chapter 32 Death from Illicit Drugs
• Corrosives, Metallic Poisons and Other Toxic Substances
• Deaths from Organic Solvents
• Appendix Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation No. R (99) 3
• Index