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
Abstract This research is investigates the existence of a legal status on human tissues and whether the law is still evolving. The question of whether a human tissue deserves protection or what legal category underpins that protection often depends on one or more paradigms generally applied towards the analysis of human tissues. Accordingly, the research sets out to identify and explore the international concept and principles on forensic autopsy usually animate the analysis of human tissues. It suggests a trend towards a more inclusive use of all analytical models, in contrast to the monolithic approach inspired by the no-property rule. This research utilized secondary data, this is to say information from articles, journals, reviewed literature and Ugandan legislation all related to forensic autopsy. Forensic autopsy in Uganda appears to be a forgotten case since the act has never been updated for over 8 decades and there are currently no any other act or rule governing forensic autopsy. This research therefore investigated the meaning, purpose and concepts concerning forensic autopsy in Uganda and then further went ahead to investigate on the Ugandan legislation in matters of forensic autopsy such as the constitution of 1995 and the Inquest Act. The research sought more information even on the international code of conduct and how other countries have managed to oversee the duties of a pathologist. In conclusion therefore, the Ugandan government needs further examination and implementation of the forensic autopsy laws and this could help overcome errors that have been experienced in the past years.
