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Sexual crimes: different perspectives.

F A Benomran1

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai, UAE. benomran@emirates.net.ae

Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|July 28, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Forensic medical examiners in countries criminalizing fornication face unique challenges. Clinical examination, especially of the hymen, offers clues but requires caution and laboratory support for accurate medico-legal opinions.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Medicine
  • Medical Law
  • Sexual Offenses

Background:

  • Legal definitions of sexual crimes vary globally.
  • Some jurisdictions include consensual extramarital heterosexual relations (fornication) as a sexual offense.
  • This legal framework presents distinct challenges for forensic medical examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the specific considerations for forensic medical examiners in countries where fornication is a crime.
  • To discuss the implications of delayed presentations in such cases.
  • To provide guidelines for interpreting clinical findings, particularly hymenal morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the Libyan penal code regarding sexual offenses.
  • Discussion of clinical examination findings in cases of alleged fornication.
  • Review of the role of laboratory evidence in forensic evaluations.

Main Results:

  • Cases involving fornication often present with delayed examinations.
  • Hymenal morphology can provide clues but must be interpreted cautiously.
  • Forensic medical opinions require corroboration with laboratory evidence for completeness and infallibility.

Conclusions:

  • Forensic medical examiners must exercise caution when relying solely on clinical findings, such as hymenal morphology, in fornication cases.
  • Speculation without sufficient grounds should be avoided in medico-legal opinions.
  • Guidelines are provided to assist examiners in forming sound medico-legal opinions.

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