Medicolegal opinions in France in XVII Century

Abstract

This article is a synthesis of the history of medicolegal opinions in France in the 17th century. Mainly two research methods were used in the work - the historical method and the descriptive method. The article aims to present the knowledge of French forensic medicine in a historical and legal context. It shows the pioneering research of medics and surgeons, presents the legal regulations of that time, and emphasizes the high level of French science compared to other European countries. It is worth adding that from the earliest times the issues with the assessment of health and life were assigned to medical experts - jurors (the edict of 1603 médecins jurés et chirurgiens jurés). During this period, forensic and medical examinations became a duty. People became interested in the mental health of the accused, as well as in the inspection of the reproductive organs in the event of a divorce. Italian surgery had a huge impact on the history of medicolegal opinions in the French territories. Interestingly, France was the first country to separate judicial and medical issues from tasks related to the medical police.