THE HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FORENSIC MEDICINE: FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE MODERN ERA

Abstract

Abstract. Forensic medicine is a multidisciplinary science at the intersection of medicine and law, providing objective evaluation of injuries, causes of death, and medico-legal circumstances essential for judicial decision-making. Its historical development reflects the evolution of medical knowledge, legal systems, and societal understanding of responsibility and evidence. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the major stages in the evolution of forensic medicine—from early empirical observations in ancient civilizations to the emergence of modern high-technology forensic science. Key contributions, scientific milestones, and influential scholars who shaped the discipline are examined.