A Statistical Observation on Medicolegal Autopsy in 1994

, Chong Youl Kim; ,  Jai Kwan Suh

Original article

Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 1995;19(2):24-27.

National Institute of Scientific Investigation

Abstract

This is a statistical observation by authors based on the data of so called unusual death brought to thi s institute for medicolegal autopsy by all of law enforcement agencies in Korea in the year of 1994. This report aims to rcveal the facts on various causes of unusual death in Korea. The following are the summary of res ults, 1. The total numbers of autopsy made for the unusual deaths were 2,123 cases, of these 1,576 cases were males and 547 cases were females. 2. Violent death were 1,380 cases(65%), natural deaths were 657 cases (30.9%), and unknown cases were 86(4.1%). 3. For deathe due to injuries, blunt object injuries were the leading ahead. 4. Asphyxial deaths were 340 cases, 16.0 percents of the total and drowning were 139 cases showing the biggest number among the asphyxial deaths. 5. Deaths from abnormal temperature and electricity were death due to fire, burning, hypothermia, heat stroke and electrocution. 6. There were 5 cases for starvation 7. Infanticides were 8 cases, 0.4 percent of the total number. 8. For the death due to intoxication, 236 cases (11.1%) were recorded and the biggest number among these was CO intoxication. 9. For the natural death, 657 cases, 30.9 percents of the total were recorded and the death due to the disease of the cardiovascular system was taking the most of the total number with 323 cases. 10. Cause of death unknown due to negative autopsy and to the severe decomposition of the body were 86 cases, 4.1 percents of the total number.