History of forensic medicine

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Forensic Medicine, defined as the application of medical knowledge to legal purposes, encompasses medical evidence in practice, research, and essential legal aspects of healthcare for doctors. Its development can be traced through several key stages: the initial use of medical knowledge for legal and public purposes, the requirement for medical testimony to guide judges, and the establishment of Forensic Medicine as a distinct academic discipline. This specialty relies on the advancement of both law and medicine. The professionalization of Forensic Medicine began in the 19th century, particularly in cities like Paris, Vienna, London, Edinburgh, and Berlin. Since then, society has undergone significant transformations, influenced by social, cultural, legal, and technological changes. Professor Bernhard Knight noted over 40 years ago that international information exchange benefits legal medicine, a sentiment that this book seeks to explore further. With a rich tradition rooted in addressing legal questions, Forensic Medicine continues to evolve in response to new societal challenges. This work aims to examine the current state of Forensic Medicine across various countries worldwide.