Modern forensic medicine and the medico-legal system in Iran

The history of forensic medicine as it is practised today in Iran is described. Modern forensic medicine was not introduced into Iran until the 1850s. At present, there are two organizations in Iran involved in the forensic medicine field: 1) the Universities of Medical Sciences, 2) the Legal Medicine Organization (L.M.O.), and its Medico-Legal Centres (M.L.Cs) in the provinces and cities. These organizations are closely related to each other. The L.M.O. is an official body of the Judiciary, which is situated in Tehran. The L.M.O. and the M.L.Cs are responsible for providing expert witness reports on technical and scientific subjects related to forensic sciences when required by the courts, Judges and the administration. Forensic medicine specialization is achieved after a 3-year full training residency. In Iran, medico-legal autopsies are performed for the investigation of suspicious deaths and crimes. Death investigation in Iran is described.