Forensic Medicine in Western Society: A History

This highly original book presents an overview of the history of forensic medicine in the West since the medieval period right up to the present day. Taking an international, comparative perspective on the changing nature of the relationship between medicine, law and society, it examines the growth of medico-legal ideas, institutions and practices in Britain, Europe and the United States.Following a thematic structure within a broad chronological framework, the book explores topics which include the legal inheritance, the medicalisation of deviant behaviour, experts and expertise, and criminal responsibility. Including illustrations, case studies and a further reading section, Katherine D. Watson presents a clear and vivid portrait of a topic which will be of interest to all students of the history of medicine, crime, and the law.Watson, Katherine is the author of 'Forensic Medicine in Western Society: A History', published 2009 under ISBN 9780415447720 and ISBN 0415447720.