The structure of Legal Medicine in Germany - an overview

Legal (Forensic) Medicine is considered a specialized medical discipline that uses its knowledge for the purposes of administering justice. The field covers a wide range of activities for the public, the judiciary, the clinical sector and public health. In addition to routine activities, student teaching and research are particularly important. The majority of German-speaking institutes are part of universities and usually include the specialist departments of forensic pathology, toxicology and genetics and are independent of the police and judiciary. The corresponding services will be offered in a total of 41 institutes in Germany. Further training as a specialist is set out in regulations, defined by the respective medical associations. The German Society of Legal Medicine organizes annual scientific congresses. In most cases, the professional activities are embedded in an accredited format, with standard processes being carried out in accordance with guidelines.