Abstract

The post-mortem investigation (PI) system in a jurisdiction varies greatly with its lagal and social system and culture. Korean PI system considred as "judical autopsy prime" is not well astablished. To develop our own system, it is neccessary to overview the forensic autopsis performed in Korea. Three hundred forty two forensic autopsies were performed prospectively, every 7 to 15 days among the cases of National Institute of Scientific Investigation (NSI), Ministry of Internal Affairs, during the period from October, 1987 to March, 1989. Cases were those registered to NISI on the author's duty day, not selected or rejected. For each case, autopsy protocols, autopsy reports and police's investigation reports were reviewed. The postmortem hours prior to autopsy were about 60 hours in average, mainly due to the defective PI system. The commonest cause of death(COD) among the natural deaths was the circulatory diseases, followed by diseases f the digestive system. As to the manners of death(MOD), the proportion of the natural deaths was now, comparing to those reported in America and Japan, partly because of our PI system where the public prosecutors determine whether autopsy is necessary on the particular area or not. For the proper application of medical knowledge to the practice of law, the independent institute and qualified specialist for the forensic medicine are mandatory.

• Keywords: Postmortem investigative system;Forensic autopsies;Cause of death;Manner of death;Violent death;