Mason’s Forensic Medicine and the Law

As a personal injury lawyer specialising in fatal accident claims, I am indebted to the person who first introduced me to Mason’s Forensic Medicine and the Law. This text, which would also benefit those practising criminal law, family law and clinical negligence, bridges an important knowledge gap for legal practitioners whose work engages with the world of forensic medicine … This revised 7th edition includes significant additional content and addresses the legal, medical and scientific developments that readers will need to be aware of. Appropriately described as the leading work on forensic medicine and the law in the UK, I would highly recommend this text to legal and medical professionals alike. – Roisin O’Dubhlaoidh (RWK Goodman) * Law Society Gazette *A new edition of this leading textbook is always a welcome addition to the literature on forensic medicine … A real strength … is that the authors continue to highlight the differences in approach between law and practice in Scotland, England & Wales, and Northern Ireland … The seventh edition of Mason’s Forensic Medicine and the Law is an exceptional work of medico-legal scholarship. As the pre-eminent forensic medicine textbook in the UK, it stands as a fitting testament to the knowledge and expertise of [its authors]. – Dr Graeme Brown (University of Aberdeen) * Greens Criminal Law Bulletin *When originally published the book was groundbreaking [and it] has remained the pre-eminent forensic medicine textbook for generations of lawyers. This latest edition maintains the high standards of clarity and insight … As updated, it simply cannot be bettered as a rich source of invaluable guidance for lawyers in the sometimes complex area of forensic medicine. – David J Dickson (Scottish Sentencing Council) * Journal of the Law Society of Scotland (of a previous edition) *Mason’s Forensic Medicine for Lawyers remains a most valuable addition to the practitioner’s law library, whether for a criminal trial, or for a civil personal injury claim. – Sally Ramage * The Criminal Lawyer (of a previous edition) *A welcome, and welcoming, guide to medicine and medical issues presented by the interaction between law and what is a daunting and complex topic … The book navigates practitioners through complex issues with reference to clearly drawn diagrams and simple explanations, seemingly neither patronising nor inappropriately assuming knowledge … [and] packs a lot in for a relatively modest price. It is a useful addition to every chambers or firm. – Dan Bunting * UK Criminal Law Blog (of a previous edition) *It provides the clearest exposition of so many areas of forensic pathology that hitherto have been so very often buried beneath pages and pages of indecipherable jargon. * David Hislop KC, from the Foreword from the 6th edition *

Helen Whitwell (1955 – 2024) was formerly Professor of Forensic Pathology, University of Sheffield and a forensic pathologist registered with the Home Office (England and Wales). She was renowned in the field, and had extensive experience in forensic pathology and forensic neuropathology, both in the UK and internationally.

Katy Thorne KC is a criminal defence and inquest barrister at Doughty Street Chambers. She sits as an Assistant Coroner and a Mental Health Tribunal Judge and is a member of the Westminster Commission on Forensic Science.

Alexander Kolar is a forensic pathologist registered with the Home Office (England and Wales). He has extensive expertise in forensic pathology at a national and international level.

Paul Harvey is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers and an advocate at Arnot Manderson Advocates, Edinburgh. He is currently serving as an advocate depute, prosecuting serious crime in the High Court of Justiciary, Scotland.