3. The Reconstruction: a Useful Tool in Forensic Sciences

Abstract

The intervention of a forensic pathologist may be required at any stage of a judicial investigation. Clearly, he or she plays an important role at a crime scene and later on during the examination of the body. But the forensic pathologist's contribution is equally important during reconstruction, which is most frequently called for in cases of violent deaths, homicides in particular. However, reconstruction may also be very useful in cases of less importance in terms of criminal law. It requires little investment and can provide precious evidence. In the two cases presented here we were able to exclude, respectively, the presumption of the adulteration of a blood sample taken for alcohol dosage and the accidental origin of an attempted murder. In fact, reconstruction may be a valuable procedure in any event requiring the participation of a forensic expert.