Legal Autopsy Research Articles

An epidemiological profile of medico-legal autopsies at a tertiary care center

Background: An essential and necessary component of any investigation into a sudden, suspicious death is the medico-legal autopsy. It's critical to understand the profile of medico-legal autopsy cases in order to ascertain the mortality rate from non-natural causes in a given area and addressing the demographic requirements in accordance with the region's unique mortality statistics. Material & Method: The present study was a retrospective study of autopsies performed at a tertiary care centre in southern Haryana, from January 2018 to December 2023. During this period a total of 886 medico legal autopsies were conducted. Relevant information and subjective data like age, gender, marital status & manner of death have been collected from medico legal autopsy register from January 2018 to December 2023. Results: It was observed that out of 886 cases male outnumbered females in ratio 2.06:1. Majority of the victims belonged to the age group 21-30 years. Majority of the deaths occurred due to poisoning (n=264, 29.79%), followed by road traffic accidents 26.74%. Conclusion: Majority of cases were in the 3rd decade of life, males outnumbered females. Poisoning and road traffic accidents were the leading cause of death. Public attention, awareness, preventive and remedial strategies should be undertaken to reduce similar incidents.

Forensic Characteristics of Body Abandonment by Housemates in Japan.

In Japan, many cases occur wherein housemates fail to report dead bodies found in their homes. However, only individual cases are reported through press and court records, and analysis including unreported cases has not been conducted. In this study, we evaluated cases handled by our Forensic Science Department in which housemates did not immediately report a dead body found in their home. We analyzed the overall picture and forensic characteristics of such cases, stratifying whether the abandoners were estimated hikikomori. Of the 1,179 legal autopsy cases handled by the Department of Forensic Medicine of Tokai University from January 1, 2017, to July 1, 2023, we evaluated 45 cases in which housemates did not immediately report dead bodies. The characteristics analyzed were body age,cause of death,autopsy findings,duration from the body's discovery by the abandoner to the police report,the reason for the lack of report in the first body discovery by the abandoner,and the reason for the report.In this study, the criteria for estimating whether a hikikomori abandoned the body were (1) the police provided the information that the person was a hikikomorior (2) the person met the following four criteria: 20-64 years old,unemployed,not in school,and living with parents. Positive significant differences were found in the body's decomposition and the time from the body's discovery to the report to the police when the abandoner was suspected to be a hikikomori for more than one, four, or eight days. No significant differences were found in the cause of death. Regarding the reported characteristics, when the abandoner was an estimated hikikomori, positive and significant differences were found for recognizing the bodyand did not report immediately due to shock.Conversely, negative and significant differences were found for the person who reported as the abandoner. This is the first study that reports on body abandonment by housemates and elaborates on its complications to forensic doctors. The incidence rate of abandonment is higher than expected. This study suggests that hikikomori are more likely to hide the bodies for longer, which hinders the death cause investigation.

Histomorphological Spectrum of Lung Lesions in Medico- legal Autopsy in a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Organ specific pathological changes seen during autopsy give a clear idea of the cause of death. Lungs are one of the most important vital organs in the human body. They are almost always involved in terminal events of cardiovascular diseases.Autopsy is important not only to know the state of lungs but also to study the morphology of various diseases.Various studies have demonstrated that,20-30% of sudden deaths are due to underlying pulmonary pathology. Aims and objectives: The significance of this study is to highlight the spectrum of histomorphological features of lung lesions in medico-legal autopsies irrespective of cause of death. Material and Methods:This was a retrospectivestudy Medico legal autopsies over a period of 5 years carried out in the Department of Pathology in coordination with the Department of Forensic Medicine, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences. Standard protocols are used for gross and histopathology processing. Results: After thorough histopathological examination, of total 100 cases, various lesions were identified in 93 cases, in 7 cases tissue was autolyzed. Majority cases seen in the age group of 20-40yrs with male predominance. The most common cause of death was Road Traffic Accident (RTA) and majority victims were males. The commonly observed pathological features congestion and oedema(44.4%), Pneumonia(26.8%),CVC(22.2%) tuberculosis(9.6%) and ARDS(6.6%). Conclusion: The present study observed and documented histomorphological spectrum of lung lesions in medico-legal autopsies and highlighted various pathological conditions which are either direct or indirect cause of death. This study emphasizes that spectrum of histopathological changes in lungs of autopsy cases irrespective of cause of death and highlights some incidental interesting findings in lungs.

Electrocution Related Deaths in Catchment Area of East Point Hospital: A 3-Year Retrospective Study

The present retrospective study has been carried out to find the occurrence of deaths due to electrocution inEastern part of Bengaluru with special emphasis on finding out the conditions along with pattern of injuriessustained by the victims. Medico legal autopsy cases with history of electrocution over period of three yearsbetween January 2019 to December 2021 were included in this study. A total of 799 cases were autopsied at our Institute during that period, out of which 51 deaths (6.38%) were deaths due to electrocution, in which male’s outnumbered females. The highest number of cases were observed in the age group of 21-30 years (n=18, 35.3%).27 victims (52.9%) were electrocuted by low tensions domestic supply. Majority of the victims (n=31, 60.8%) died on the spot. Most cases (n=38, 74.5%) were reported during the daytime between 7 am and 7 pm. The incidence of deaths during rainy season were typically higher (n=29, 56.9%). Limbs were the most common body parts affected by electrocution (n=27, 52.9%). 37 (72.5%) victims were electrocuted in dry conditions according to the surrounding places of incidence. As per police documents and history by relatives all cases of the electrocution deaths in the present series were accidental in nature.The hazard of getting electrocuted in domestic surroundings from the chaotically connected electric wires without correct maintenance is certainly a matter of worry. Implementation of correct insulation safety procedures are important factors required for prevention of fatal electrocution.

Epidemiologies of Fatal Ground Level Falls in Autopsies Conducted in A Tertiary Care Hospital: A cross sectional Study

Background: Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. Falls not only causes Mortality, but also Morbidity resulting in disabilities and loss of productivity. Death due to falls not only occurs in victims falling from a height but also in Ground level falls.Aim: To study the age and sex distribution, place, surface, time, and outcome of fatal accidental Ground LevelFalls.Methods: The present study was carried out as a descriptive study in which medico legal autopsies of 115 victims of ground level fall victims were included. Lettule’s method of en masse removal of viscera and dissection of organs was used for conducting medico legal autopsy. The Collected data was entered in MS excel and analysed.Conclusion: The current study revealed that most victims of ground level falls were more than 50 years of age and indoor falls were more common than outdoor falls.62% of the victims had suffered head injury. Effective fall prevention programmes should be framed to reduce the number of people who fall.

Causes of Violent Deaths in Senegal during Medico Legal Autopsies

Causes of Violent Deaths in Senegal during Medico Legal Autopsies

Unveiling Opinions: Exploring the Public’s View on Clinical Autopsies

Background: Clinical autopsy is an invaluable tool useful to identify causes of death and to uncover unknown and unexpected diseases which aids in raising awareness of common and rare diseases in a community. Clinical autopsy is essential to study pattern of morbid diseases that aids in formation of effective healthcare policies. Aim: To investigate the views of the general public on clinical autopsies in order to determine general conceptions and misconceptions that may aid in further a discussion and investigations. Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Forensic Medicine, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan from October 2022 till March 2023. Data was collected from 300 participants using a 15-item questionnaire distributed to general population from various parts of Karachi selected by convenient sampling. Results: 46% were aware of term clinical/medical autopsy. 77% acknowledged medical and social role of clinical autopsies. Less than 50% could differentiate between clinical and medico legal autopsy. 50% are of the opinion that autopsy should not be conducted in natural deaths. 55% and 64% of the participants were of the opinion that clinical autopsy can improve future lives of people and provide diagnostic and curative strategies respectively. Participants of the study were unsure about the Islamic perspective of autopsy. 57% agreed to give consent for autopsy in society’s best interest. Conclusion: The large majority is uncertain about autopsy given their religious and personal views but it also reveals many acknowledge its possible utility in medicine and in bereavement process. Therefore, despite lack of research and public discourse, it provides us with data that may encourage and aid further research and discussion about acceptance of autopsy as a viable diagnostic tool. Keywords: Autopsy, Clinical autopsy, Medical autopsy, Pakistan

2023 Annual Report of the Japanese Brain Bank Network for Neuroscience Research (JBBNNR)

AbstractBackgroundThe Japanese Brain Bank Network for Neuroscience Research (JBBNNR) received the renewal of Grant‐in‐Aid for Transformative Research Areas, MEXT, Japan from 2022 to 2027, whose center is the Brain Bank for Aging Research (BBAR), the first and only Japanese Brain Bank dedicated for aging and dementia research.MethodJBBNNR, in close collaboration with the Brain Bank Committee, the Japanese Society of Neuropathology (JSNP), is recruiting brain donors, propagating the BBAR protocols for neuropathological examination, and keeping the policy of open resource. JBBNR member consists of BBAR, the Brain Bank for Neurodevelopmental, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Mihara Memorial Hospital and Fukushimura Hospital.ResultIn 2022, the effect of the pandemic of COVID‐19 still influenced the recovery of postmortem brains, owing to the recommendation of the National Institute of Infectious Disease (NIID), Japan, not to use electrical scissors in autopsy. This year, JBBNNR conducted a small number of COVID‐19 autopsies with prion format, following the informal permit of NIID. The total number of hospital autopsy cases slowly recovered. The effort to include legal autopsy of suicide victims and accidental death cases of developmental disorders experienced difficulty in Japanese culture and law. This year JSNP acknowledged ten board certified neuropathologists, whose main aim is to keep the Japanese brain bank system. JBBNNR is based on full autopsy and provided pathological basis to support brain‐ first, body‐ first hypothesis of Parkinson disease (PD). The high quality resource of JBBNNR contributed to first‐ line research, published in Nature and Cell this year.ConclusionJBBNNR continued to contribute neuroscience research, focused on AD and PD/ DLB in Japan.

Combined effects of methadone and quetiapine on respiratory rate, haemodynamic variables, and temperature in conscious rats.

Fatal poisonings where both methadone and quetiapine are detected post-mortem occurs frequently in legal autopsy cases. It is unclear whether quetiapine increases the risk of fatal methadone poisoning or if it is merely detected due to widespread use. We hypothesized that methadone and quetiapine would have additive toxic effects on respiratory rate, blood pressure, and the QTc-interval. To investigate this hypothesis, we used telemetry implants for measurements of respiratory rate, haemodynamic variables, the velocity of blood pressure changes, temperature, and movement in conscious, freely moving male Wistar rats aged 12-13 weeks. The combined effects of three accumulative i.p. doses of methadone (2.5, 10, 15 mg/kg) and quetiapine (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) were compared to rats treated with the same doses of each drug alone, and a vehicle-treated group in a randomized investigator blinded study. No additive effects of quetiapine and methadone on respiratory rate, haemodynamic variables, or movement were observed. However, body temperature was significantly lower by approximately 1.5°C on average in the group treated with both methadone and quetiapine (15 + 30 mg/kg) compared to the other groups. This indicates a synergistic effect of quetiapine and methadone on thermoregulation, which may increase the risk of fatal poisoning. We suggest studying this finding further in human settings.

Histopathological Features of Skin changes caused by Electrocution: An Autopsy study

BACKGROUND: Dependency to electrical equipments and improper safety measures has led to a significant increase in deaths due to electrocution. Confirming the cause of death in electrocution is one of the biggest challenges. Skin is the most frequently involved tissue in electrocution and histopathology of skin from electric marks aids in proper diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To study the histomorphological features of epidermis and dermis in skin tissue of entry and exit wounds in electrocution deaths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational study done over a period of one year. Skin biopsy from medico legal autopsy of non-lightening electrocution deaths obtained from entry or exit wound site were included for the study. Gross and histopathological details were studied and data analyzed. RESULTS: Significant gross features were surface discoloration of skin 16 (61%) and ulceration 05 (20%). Microscopic features were coagulative necrosis 21 (80.7%), dermo-epidermal separation 20 (80.7%), focal ulceration of epithelium 05 (19%), clefting of epidermis (60%), streaming of nuclei (92.3%), elongation of nuclei (92.3%) and microblisters 02 (15.3%). CONCLUSION: One of the important causes of negative autopsy is electrocution deaths. In such cases dermatopathology is a diagnostic tool coupled with circumstantial evidence. Histological hallmark of electrocution skin injury is epidermal nuclear elongation.

2021 Annual Report of Japanese Brain Bank Network for Neuroscience Research

AbstractBackgroundJapanese Brain Bank Network for Neuroscience Research (JBBNNR) was established in 2001, whose reader is the Brain Bank for Aging Research (BBAR), the first and only Japanese Brain Bank dedicated for aging and dementia research.MethodBBAR recruited all the members of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology to establish JBBNNR, funded by MEXT in 2001, on the following four conditions: open resource, to organize brain donation system, to share quality control including neuropathological method and to combine clinical longitudinal studies like US ADNI. National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Mihara Memorial Hospital and Fukushimura Hospital joined JBBNNR. In 2020, Brain Bank for Neurodevelopmental, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders (BBNNPD) joined JBBNNR. JBBNNR was established in United Graduate Shool of Child Development, Osaka University and was the first brain bank system in all the universities of Japan.ResultIn 2021, the pandemic of COVID‐19 seriously influenced recovery of postmortem brains via dramatic decrease of autopsy. JBBNNR promoted brain donation and began effort to include legal autopsy for Japanese equivalent of suicide bank and autism brain net in US. The main barrier resides in cultural respect of suicide in Japan, which makes it difficult to obtain the deceased first kin of relatives' consent for brain donation. The solid public support system for autism promised long life without accident and makes it difficult to recover autism brains through forensic pathology. A goog news is that BBNNPD proposed cloud funding in Osaka for the research of neurodevelopmental disorders and intractable neurological disorders and successfuly received donation of ten million yen. The main target of JBBNNR is Alzheimer disease and contributed clinical trials of amyloid pet in Japan. JBBNNR is based on full autopsy and reported that one third of geriatric population contained Lewy body pathology in the body. BBAR received the best reserch presentation award from the Japanese Society of Dementia Research about correlationg of in vivo PIB PET and postmortem Abeta deposition with shor interval.ConclusionJBBNNR continued to contribute neuroscience research, focused AD and dementia, in Japan.

Pathological changes in Kidney Autops ies from North Maharashtra –A Descriptive Study

Abstract Background: Chronic Kidney disease is a major public health concern. In India, the burden of chronic Kidney disease cannot be assessed properly. In such case autopsy study becomes an indispensible part of Medicine. Aim: To explore the spectrum of changes seen in kidneys and correlating it with clinical findings. Material & Methods: A descriptive study of kidneys of Medico legal autopsies from January 2019 – December 2019 was conducted. A total of 665 Medico legal autopsies were received, in 73 cases kidneys were not received, while 23 kidneys had autolytic change. A total of 569 Kidneys were included in the study. The Gross and Microscopic features along with special stains were studied and the cause of death was noted. Results: A total of 569 kidney autopsies were assessed. On Gross 26% were congested, 13% had contracted granular kidney. On Histopathological examination, Non specific changes were seen in 53.4%, specific nephropathological lesions noted were chronic pyelonephritis (8.9%), acute tubular necrosis (5.6%), sickle cell nephropathy (4.7%), tubercular nephritis (1.2%). Conclusion: Infective etiology was the commonest cause, along with sickle cell nephropathy. It has provided the spectrum of lesions seen in this area along with correlation of cause of death. Screening for diabetes mellitus and hypertension would lead to early detection and timely management which would reduce chronic kidney diseases.

Pattern of Limb Injuries in Road Traffic Accident: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Health Care Centre in North East India

According to World Health Organization, road traffic accident claims 1.2 million deaths annually and causes up to 50 million non-fatal injuries. Alimb injury is any injury to a limb, either a leg or arm, or to the toes and fingers. Limb injuries include broken bones (cracked or fractured bones, eg. a broken arm), dislocations (when a bone has been moved or dislodged, eg. a dislocated shoulder), sprains (injuries to ligaments, eg. a sprained ankle), strains (injuries to muscles, eg. a strained thigh), nail injuries (injuries to toenails and fingernails, eg., a stubbed toe), and bruises (colored marks caused by bleeding under the skin due to an impact). Across-sectional study was conducted in the mortuary of a tertiary health care centre in North-East India. The study was done from September 2019 to August 2021. All road traffic accident cases which were brought for medico legal autopsy were included. From the present study, it was found that maximum number of victims was due to two-wheeler accidents and most of the fatalities occurred after reaching hospital, mostly due to lack of prompt aid for the victim and less trauma center in the region. Injuries mostly seen are abrasion and a few cases of fracture. The cause of death is injury to major vessels involved in the fracture causing shock and hemorrhage. It is also observed that multiple limb injuries and limb injuries associated with fracture could be fatal which is significant (p< .001).

Gross and Histopathological Study of Adrenal Glands from Routine Medico legal Autopsies

Background: Autopsies are important in clinical medicine as they can identify medical errors and assist incontinuous improvement. The role of a forensic pathologist is highly significant in determining the cause of deathas an undiagnosed case can contribute to the improvement of clinical or surgical management of such type ofpatients, and help prevent unexpected deaths in the future. In an era, where pathological autopsies are limited,the medico-legal autopsy will serve as supplement to document the incidental adrenal pathologies in the studypopulation.Material and Methods: The prospectivestudy was performed after getting proper approval from Institute ethicalcommittee. The adrenal glands were procured from medico-legal autopsies conducted from 2019 -2021, at themortuary of Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad. All the necessary details were noted from thepolice requisition, Inquest panchnama and clinical papers provided. All the important findings were noted downin the predesigned case record form.Result: A total of 128 adrenal glands were examined for gross and histopathological changes. The number of malesand females studied comprised of 38 males (59 %) and 26 females (41%). Majority of lesions were observed onhistopathology as compared to gross examination. Maximum number of the lesions were observed in the age groupbetween 21 to 30 years (29%). Gross adrenal lesions were noted in 62% males and 38% females. Histopathologylesions were noted in 63% males and 37% females. The study showed more of unnatural cases than natural cases.Majority of the lesions are seen in unnatural deaths than natural deaths except enlarged adrenals are found innatural deaths. Majority of the adrenal histopathology lesions were found in unnatural deaths except adrenalitis,hypertrophy and atrophy which is common in natural deaths. Majority of the lesions are found in unnaturaldeaths both on gross 73% as well as histopathological 67% examination.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of Gross as well as Histopathological examination in medicolegalautopsies. In cases of negative autopsies, this necessitates to examine the adrenal glands, histopathologically whichmay give a clue about the cause of death.

Medico legal autopsy of 34 cases of death due to cardiac tamponade: A study at Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Medico legal autopsy of 34 cases of death due to cardiac tamponade: A study at Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Study on acute poisoning cases brought for Medico Legal Autopsy in Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad

Background: Regular epidemiological investigations are essential for gaining insights into the incidence ofpoisoning in various geographical areas. The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics and trendsof deaths due to poisoning in Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad.Methods: Hospital records, inquest reports, post-mortem reports and toxicological analysis reports were analysedamong various age groups, sex, type and manner of poisoning. Snake bite poisoning cases were excluded.Results: Out of 318 cases, we got positive toxicological analysis report for 287 (90.2%) cases. In our studypredominance of male cases 259(81.45%) compared to female cases 59(18.55%) reported. In the age group mostinvolved was 21-30 yrs 107 cases (34%) followed by 31-40 yrs 82 (26%), 41-50 yrs 49 (15%). Organophosphatepoisoning reported in high number of cases 189(65.85%) followed by paraquat poisoning 44(15.33%), tabletpoisoning 23(2.01%), Sulphuric acid poisoning 22(7.67%) and others 9 (3.14%) (Rodenticide, phenol, pyrethroid,nitrite). In manner of death suicidal cases 311(97.80%) reported more followed by accidental cases 7 (2.20%). Insuicidal cases, economic constraints as a reason were outnumbered 209 cases (67.20%) followed by health issues52(16.72%), academic failure 35(11.25%), love failure 15(4.82%). In region wise, rural areas reported more cases244(76.73%) when compared to urban area 74 (23.27%). In season wise, more cases reported in April to July 148cases (46.50%) followed by December to March 97 cases (30.5%), August to November 73 (23%). Zero homicidalpoisoning noted.Conclusion: Organophosphate poisoning in active male population of rural areas with economic constraintswere reported to be predominant.

Inter-play of trauma and disease ― a case report

Determining cause and manner of death in medico legal cases is of paramount importance in forensic practice. A 29 year old woman was brought by the police for medico legal autopsy with history of assault by her boyfriend. As per the initial police investigation and crime scene visit by the police, the case was registered as culpable homicide amounting to murder. Autopsy revealed that the deceased had acute on chronic meningitis, a natural disease incompatible with life if left untreated. It was also observed that there was a faint ligature mark around neck and multiple contusions at places over the body. There were no features suggestive of asphyxia or other findings which could alone cause death. The deceased was alive for some time after the assault. Considering these facts, cause of death was attributed to meningitis and further it was opined that the assault could have expedited the death.

Analysis of Post Mortem Findings in Suicidal Hanging- Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Suicide is the act of intentionally taking your own life. Hanging is always suicidal unless otherwise proved. It is a from of violent asphyxial death. It produces painless death for the victims so that it is a widely practiced method of suicide. Every year, 8 lac people die for hanging. In Bangladesh hanging in one of the Commonest methods of suicide. Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out Socio-demographic characterizes of victims, common ligature materials used by victims and post mortem findings. Materials and method: A retrospective cross sectional study was done in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College mortuary during the period of July 2018 to December 2020. During this period data were collected from 1815 cases of medico legal autopsies by purposive sampling. Results: A total of 1815 medico legal autopsies were analysed of which 818 (45.06%) were deaths due to hanging. out of these 818 cases maximum 395(48.28%) deaths due to hanging were in age group of 21-30 years. Majority of the cases 546(66.74%) were observed in female and others in male 272(33.25%). Majority 425 (51.95%) of victims had used Dopatta (Orna) as a ligature material. Cyanosis of finger tips and nail beds was the commonest 797 (97.43%) finding in cases of asphyxia death due to hanging. Conclusion: In this study all the cases of hanging were suicidal and no case of post-mortem hanging was documented. Majority of the victims were between 21-30 of age (48.28%). Twothirds of them were females. Most frequent occupation was students. More than two thirds belonged to low socio-economic condition and none of the case were from higher socio-economic condition. More than 70% victims were found inside house with locked door. In more than threefourth of the cases, the ligature material was dopatta (orna), apparently because of cost and availability. In most cases the point of suspension was ceiling fan. Complete hanging was most frequent type of hanging. Other external and internal autopsy findings were like book picture. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(1): 36-40

An epidemiological retrospective profile of medico-legal autopsy cases reported at a tertiary care center in Dhulikhel, Nepal

Autopsy is a systematic scientific examination of dead body that helps in manifesting the information about the cause of death in case of an unnatural death. Medico legal autopsy profiling helps to understand the nature of casualties, it helps to assess the social and economic profile for understanding the nature of crime in particular area, helps to address the demographic needs according to the mortality statistics specific to that region and helpful to identify the need necessary to take preventive measures to stop the crime or unnatural deaths by means of spreading awareness and psychological course. This study aims to analyses the pattern of autopsy cases with manner and various causes of death which was conducted in a tertiary level hospital. This is a retrospective study conducted over a period of one year (Oct 2020 to Oct 2021) at Dhulikhel hospital, Nepal. During the study period on one year, a total of 258 cases of medicolegal autopsies were performed at Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Out of the 258 cases analyzed maximum incidence of the postmortems were reported in the age group of 43.80% was reported from 20 to 39 years aged group which are the most productive years in one’s life. The maximum incidence of the postmortems was reported in the male population of 70.54% compared to the female population (29.46%). Our strongest conclusion is that male/female differences in medicolegal autopsies are highly dependent on historical time and geographic location. The maximum incidence 32.56% was reported within 6 – 12 hours’ time group and minimum incidence 12.02% was reported within 0 – 6 hours’ time group. The maximum incidence 48.06% was reported from Suicide group and minimum incidence 6.20% was reported from Homicide group. The maximum incidence 33.72% was reported by Hanging group and minimum incidence 0.39% were reported from Choking and Traumatic Asphyxia groups during the medicolegal autopsies, , , , ,

Industry self-regulatory institutions, accounting and imitation mechanisms: the case of the ‘Unione Commercianti in Manifatture di Milano’

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role that the analysis of accounting books can assume for the functioning of an industry self-regulatory institution. If industry self-regulatory institutions have been extensively studied, scholars have neglected the role that accounting can have in their functioning, as well as an imitation mechanism. This research is focused on the ‘Unione Commercianti in Manifatture di Milano’, created in 1898. The Union contributed towards preserving fair and honest trade in the textiles industry, and to protecting the credit rights of members involved in the bankruptcy proceedings of their customers. Between 1898 and 1902, the Union examined the accounting books of more than 1700 proceedings. According to institutional theory, for each organisation the analysis of accounting books represents a mechanism for arbitrating, a tool to evaluate whether or not to try to recover credit rights. Considering the difficulty for organisations to arbitrate, the need to acquire and analyse the financial information of customers involved in bankruptcy proceedings represented a key factor for the creation of the Union. Its ability to evaluate bankruptcy proceedings through the investigation of accounting books – conducting ‘accounting and legal autopsies’ in many proceedings – generated imitation mechanisms that pushed new members to join the institution.