FORENSIC RESEARCH: LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE SECONDARY USE OF JUDICIAL LEVIES

Abstract

The post-mortem research is essential to improve
knowledge in forensic medicine while searching for causes
of death. This research includes the analysis carried out
during forensic autopsies and research on collections of
biological samples (additional samples taken during
autopsy or judiciary seals). Currently many scientific
publications focus on retrospective studies. It is essential
to organize prospective, comparative and multicenter
studies to allow exchanges between researchers at
international level.
In France, while the texts on medical research protect
living persons, the research conducted in forensic
autopsies is not specifically defined and is temporarily
placed under the authority of justice. However, samples
from the human body after death are authorized by the
law for scientific purposes and some texts let us draw a
framework for research in forensic pathology.
Our presentation will focus on identifying the barriers
and issues raised by the conduct of research in forensic
medicine that should take into account the wishes and
rights of individuals and their families while respecting
the needs of justice