Over the past decade there have been enormous developments in the practice of forensic medicine-the branch of medicine involving an interaction between law, the judiciary and police-and this handbook was developed to elucidate the clinical aspects of forensic medicine. Important chapters cover everything from the fundamental principles regarding consent, confidentiality and court reports, followed by detailed descriptions of major issues in forensic practice including the forensic assessment of complainants and suspects of sexual assaults; the description and recording of injuries; the avoidance of death in police custody and the assessment of fitness for detention; custodial interrogation and standards of practice; and important practice-oriented chapters for handling intoxicated patients. Supported with numerous appendices that cover everything from alcohol assessment questionnaires to the management of head injuries, this book will serve as a valuable reference for physicians and nurses in forensic settings as well as other healthcare professionals including emergency physicians, police surgeons, pediatricians, gynecologists and psychiatric nurses who will, at times, find a need for the information provided in this book.