Forensic Medicine

Class test Questions (UM 1, UMM, UM 2, UMMG, UMTGI)

Introduction, Law and law courts

1. What do you understand by (a) Mens Rea and (b) Actus Reus? Describe the factors
needed to consider for intention to kill in Murder cases. (UM 1)
2. Describe “Summons” and “Subpoena”. What is the duty of a doctor regarding summons?
UM 1)
3. Describe the court procedures for examination of a witness in a law court. (UM 1)
4. When may a doctor issue a death certificate? Describe the practical points of medical
certificate of cause of death and give 3 examples of cause of death. (UM 1)
5. Define “Forensic Medicine”. List the branches of forensic medicine. Describe the trial of
a criminal case. (UMM)
6. Define “Dying declaration”. Describe the conditions necessary for the acceptance of
dying declaration as admissible evidence. (UMM)
7. What is the aim of the medical officer in giving evidence in a law court? Describe briefly
the proper conduct of a medical witness in a law court. (UMM)
8. Describe how the knowledge of Forensic Medicine can help the trial court in making
decision that the criminal has intention to kill in a case of murder. (UM2)
9. List the court room procedure for examination of a witness. Define “Witness” and
“Evidence”. Briefly explain “Expert witness” and “Medical evidence”. (UM2)
10. Discuss the component parts of a medico-legal report. (UM2)
11. Describe briefly ‘Medical evidence’. Explain how medical or forensic knowledge can be
used as a piece of circumstantial evidence and used to check the correctness of relevancy
of the statement of a witness. (UMMG)
12. What is the aim of giving evidence in a court of law by a medical witness? Enumerate the
court procedures for examination of a witness. Describe briefly examinations of witness
in a trial court. (UMMG)
13. Describe the legal procedure following a death. What are the objects of medical
certificate of cause of death? Describe practical points of medical certificate of cause of
death. (UMMG)
14. Define Forensic Medicine. List the role of Forensic Medicine in solving legal matters.
Describe briefly how Forensic Medicine can help trial court in making decision that the
criminal has intention to kill in a case of murder. (UMTGI)
15. Discuss briefly the routine court room procedure for “examination of a medical witness in
court”. (UMTGI)
16. When may a doctor issue the death certificate? What are practical points of Medical
Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCOD)? Give each example of causes of death, recorded
 in correct sequence as in medical certificate of cause of death, regarding accident, suicide
and homicide. (UMTGI)

Medicolegal autopsy

1. What are the objectives of an autopsy? List the type of deaths in which the forensic
autopsy should be done. (UMM)
2. What are the objectives of autopsy in forensic practice? Outline the autopsy procedures of
taking blood and urine samples for subsequent examinations. (UM2)
3. Outline the investigational procedure in all medico-legal deaths. What are the objectives
of medico-legal autopsy? Describe the health and safety issues in mortuary. (UMMG)
4. Explain the common types of autopsy. What are the objectives of performing an autopsy?
(UMTGI)

Forensic Thanatology

1. Describe the medico-legal importance of hypostatic staining. How would you

differentiate between hypostatic staining and bruise? (UM 1)
2. Describe the factors modifying the rate of cooling and the factors influencing the rate of
putrefaction. (UM 1)
3. Define “death”. Discuss the factors that influence the rate of cooling of the body and
decomposition. (UMM)
4. How would you differentiate between cadaveric spasm and rigor mortis. What are the
differences between primary and secondary flaccidity of muscles after death? (UMM)
5. Enumerate all possible changes in human body after death. State the medico-legal
importance of rigor mortis and decomposition. (UM2)
6. Describe the medico-legal importance of decomposition. State and explain the factors
which influence the rate of decomposition. (UMMG)
7. Define “Death”. Discuss the immediate signs of death. (UMTGI)
8. Define decomposition. Describe the factors influencing the rate of putrefaction and state
its medico-legal importance. (UMTGI)

Personal identification

1. Describe the different methods of foetal age assessment. (UM 1)

2. Describe the medico-legal importance of personal identification. List the basic and
absolute characteristics in identification. Discuss briefly about dental data. (UMM)
3. Summarise the secondary sex characteristics of male and female used to identify a person.
How would you determine age from a skull bone? (UM2)
4. Mention the absolute characteristics for personal identification. Explain the role of tattoo
marks and dental data in personal identification. (UM2)
5. What are the secondary identification criteria? Describe the medico-legal importance of
scars and clothing. (UMMG)
6. How would you determine the sex and age from a human pelvis brought to you by the
police? (UMTGI)

Asphyxia

1. Define “Hanging”. How would you describe the ligature mark in a case of suicidal
hanging? (UM 1)
2. List asphyxial deaths caused by other than pressure over neck. Describe “Traumatic
asphyxia” and “Postural asphyxia”. (UM 1)
3. Discuss in detail about choking. (UMM)
4. By using investigational procedure for all medico-legal deaths, how would you
investigate a case of suicidal hanging to reach a cause of death? (UMM)
5. Define “Drowning”. List the possible causes of death in drowning. Describe the
management of medico-legal problems in drowning. (UM2)
6. Define “Hanging” and “Strangulation”. Tabulate the differences between hanging and
strangulation. (UM2)
7. Describe the definition of ‘Drowning’. Describe ‘Dry lung drowning’. List the possible
causes of death in dry lung drowning? (UMMG)
8. Write on traumatic asphyxia and postural asphyxia. State the general non-specific signs of
asphyxia. (UMMG)
9. State the definition of ‘Manual strangulation’. Enumerate the possible causes of death in
manual strangulation. Describe briefly the external and internal post-mortem appearances
of manual strangulation. (UMMG)
10. Define ‘Hanging’ and ‘Strangulation’. What are the differences between hanging and
strangulation? (UMTGI)
11. List asphyxia deaths caused by other than pressure over neck. Describe in detail about
choking. (UMTGI)

Short notes

1. Documentary evidence (UM 1)

2. Cross examination (UMM)
3. Register of police case (UMMG)
4. Expert witness (UMTGI)
5. Objectives of an autopsy (UM 1)
6. Investigational procedure in all medicolegal deaths (UMTGI)
7. Diagnostic tests for brainstem death (UM2)
8. Maceration of fetus (UMMG)
9. Medico-legal importance of personal identification (UM 1)
10. Gender determination of a sacrum (UMM)
11. Ruxton case in personal identification
12. Rules of Haase (UMMG)
13. Tattoo marks (UMTGI)
14. Differential diagnosis of petechial haemorrhages (UMM)
15. Traumatic asphyxia (UM2)
Medico-legal aspects of wounds

1. State and explain the legal term “Hurt”. Define “Grievous Hurt” (M.P.C. Section 320) and
explain the last clause. (UM 1)
2. Define “Bruise” and describe its medico-legal importance. (UM 1)
3. List the four categories of bodily injury resulting in death. Describe about “Volitional
power” after injury. (UM 1)
4. State “Grievous hurt” (M.P.C Section 320). Explain in detail all the legal points involved
in clause (6), “permanent disfiguration of head and face”. (UMM)
5. Define a bruise. Discuss the medico-legal importance of a bruise. (UMM)
6. Define “MPC Section 320: Grievous Hurt”. Discuss the legal points regarding clause 8 of
this section. (UM2)
7. Define “Stab Wound". List the different types of stab wound. Explain (with diagrams) the
multiple appearances of stab wounds with different shapes and sizes caused by various
weapons. (UM2)
8. Write the definition of “Bruise”. Describe the medico-legal importance of bruise.
(UMMG)
9. How would you consider about “possible cause of death” in giving opinions and making
inferences regarding wounds causing death? (UMMG)
10. Define ‘Grievous Hurt’ (MPC Section 320) and explain in detail the clause no. 8.
(UMTGI)
11. Define ‘Stab wound’. Describe in detail with diagram how a single sharp pointed weapon
can cause different sizes and shapes of stab wounds. (UMTGI)
12. List the possible medico-legal opinions regarding wounds causing death. State and
describe the categories of severity of bodily injury resulting in death. (UMTGI)

Firearm wounds and explosive injuries

1. How would you estimate the range of fire of a single missile firearm after examination of
an entrance gunshot wound? (UM 1)
2. What do you understand by the term “Gyroscopic action”? list the common sites for
suicidal gunshot wounds. Describe the differences between the entrance and exit gunshot
wounds caused by rifle. (UMM)
3. Describe the appearance of entrance wound, internal findings and exit wound of a man
who was shot dead with a 9 mm pistol from near contact range to the right occipital area
of the head. (UM2)
4. Explain about gyroscopic action of a bullet. Describe the determination of the angle of
fire. (UMMG)
5. Explain the features of entrance gunshot wounds fired by a rifled firearm from various
ranges. (UMTGI)
Regional injuries

1. Define “Coup and Contre-coup lesions in head injuries”. Describe the practical points that
should be considered in cases of such lesions. (UM 1)
2. Define “Coup and contre-coup lesion” in head injuries. describe the practical points that
should be considered in cases of such lesion. (UMM)
3. Tabulate the different types of meningeal hemorrhages with their causes and sources of
bleeding. Describe forensic implications of brain membrane hemorrhages. (UM2)
4. Compare the causes, source of bleeding and mechanism of hemorrhage in extradual,
subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Describe the forensic complication of brain
membrane hemorrhages. (UMMG)
5. Discuss the source of bleeding, clinical features, post mortem features and medicolegal
considerations of epidural meningeal haemorrhage. (UMTGI)

Road traffic accidents

1. List the purpose of medico-legal investigation in road traffic accidents. Describe the
possible injuries that can be sustained by the driver and other occupants of the vehicle in a
head-on-collision car accident. (UMM)
2. List the possible range of injuries in on-the-road motor vehicular accidents (RTAs). State
the laws related to RTAs: MPC Sections 304A, 337 and 338. (UM2)
3. State MPC section 304A (causing death by rash and negligence) with examples. What are
the purposes of performing autopsy in RTA deaths? Describe about “Run over injuries in
auto-pedestrian accident”. (UMMG)
4. State MPC section 304 A (causing death by rash and negligence) with examples. What
are the purposes of performing autopsy in RTA deaths? Describe about primary,
secondary and tertiary injuries in auto-pedestrian accident. (UMTGI)

BEL

1. What are the possible causes of death from electrocution? Describe the postmortem
features of death from electrocution caused by touching a faulty wire. (UM 1)
2. What are the agents responsible for causing burn lesions? Describe the possible causes of
death in patients with burn and electrical injuries. (UM2)
3. List agents responsible for causing burn lesions. Describe the possible cause of death
from burn and death from electrocution. (UMM)
4. Describe the possible causes of death in burns conflagration. (UMMG)
5. Define electrocution. List the possible causes of death from electrocution. Describe the
post mortem features of death from electrocution. (UMTGI)
ASH, SOC (only short notes)

SUD

1. Define “Sudden and Unexpected Death”. What are the objectives for performing medico-
legal autopsy in Sudden and Unexpected Deaths”? Describe complications of acute
myocardial infarction. (UM 1)
2. Define “Sudden and Unexpected Death”. Mention briefly the common sites of coronary
occlusion. Describe the possible complications of coronary atherosclerosis leading to
sudden death. (UMM)
3. Enumerate the cardiac causes of sudden and unexpected deaths (SUDs). Give brief
accounts on: (a) Common sites of coronary stenosis and occlusion, and
(b) Naked-eye autopsy diagnostic features of myocardial infarction. (UM2)
4. State the definition of “Sudden and Unexpected Death”. Describe briefly the common
sites of coronary occlusion. Describe the complications of coronary atherosclerotic lesion.
(UMMG)
5. Define sudden and unexpected death. What are the objectives of performing autopsy in
sudden and unexpected death? Correlate different ages of myocardial infarct together
with their gross features and light microscopic features as tabular form. (UMTGI)

Pregnancy, infanticide, abortion, sterilization

1. Define “Live birth”. Describe direct proof of live birth. (UM 1)

2. State and explain Myanmar Penal Code section 312 (Criminal abortion). (UM 1)
3. What are the medico-legal importance of pregnancy? Describe the signs of recent
delivery in a dead lady. (UMM)
4. Define M.P.C section 312, 313, 314. What are the duties of a doctor in a case of criminal
abortion? (UMM)
5. Explain the essence of MPC Section 312: Causing miscarriage. Briefly discuss the duties
of a medical officer in a case of criminal abortion. (UM2)
6. Define “Viable Child, Live Birth and Stillbirth”. Describe the direct proofs of live birth.
(UM2)
7. Describe the features of a full term baby. What do you understand “live birth”? Mention
the signs of life and describe the direct proof for live birth. State the appearance of
unrespired lungs. (UMMG)
8. State MPC section 312, 313, 314. Explain the essence of criminal abortion law. Describe
the duty of a medical officer in a case of criminal abortion. (UMMG)
9. Describe briefly the signs of pregnancy in a dead woman. Outline the dangers of criminal
abortion. (UMTGI)

Short notes

1. Feigned wounds (UM 1)

2. Defence wounds (UMM)
3. Definition of dangerous weapons (UM2)
4. MPC section 302 (UMMG)
5. Antemortem burns (UM 1)
6. Possible causes of death from electrocution (UMMG)
7. Role of a doctor at the scene of crime (UM 1)
8. Role of a doctor at the crime scene (UM2)
9. Role of a doctor at the scene of crime (UMTGI)
10. Common causes of still birth (UMM)
11. Absolute causes of impotency in male (UMM)
12. Valid marriage under Myanmar Customary Law (UM2)
13. Immediate dangers in criminal abortion (UMMG)
14. MPC Section 312 D (UMTGI)
15. Marriage to be valid under Myanmar customary law (UMTGI)
Sexual offense

1. Define Myanmar Penal Code section (375). How would you legally prove that “Against
Her will”? What injuries may be found if the woman had struggled to the uttermost?
(UM1)
2. Describe in detail, the full history taking of a female victim in a case of alleged rape.
(UM1)
3. State M.P.C Section 375 and 376. Discuss the term “sexual intercourse” in M.P.C Section
375. (UMM)
4. What do you understand by the term consent in a case of rape? List the characteristics of
valid consent for sexual offences. (UMM)
5. How do you understand consent in rape? Describe the characteristics of valid consent in
rape. (UM2)
6. List the proper steps in the medical examination and the possible medicolegal opinions in
an alleged rape case. Summarise the genital examination of such a victim. (UM2)
7. State Myanmar Penal Code sections 375 and 376. Outline the medical examination of
victim of alleged rape. Mention the medico-legal opinions commonly used for victim.
Describe the reasons where spermatozoa may not be detected even though there was
ejaculation. (UMMG)
8. State the MPC Sections: 375 (Definition of Rape) and 376 (Punishments for Rape).
Explain the legal term: Without her consent in Rape. (UMTGI)
9. Describe the medico-legal important of history taking in every case of victim of alleged
rape. (UMTGI)

Unnatural sexual offense and behaviors

1. Define Myanmar Penal Code section (377). List the examination steps of the anus and
Anal canal. Describe the findings in a passive agent of occasional or virginal homosexual
Including incriminating evidence. (UM1)
2. Outline the steps in examination of anus and anal canal in a case of sodomy. Describe the
findings of anal area in a case of experienced practicing homosexual including
incriminating evidence. (UMM)
3. Define MPC Section 377. Enumerate the examination procedure and incriminating
evidences of active and passive agents in a case of unnatural sexual offence. (UM2)
4. State Myanmar Penal Code section 377. Describe the incriminating evidences for recent
anal intercourse. Describe the possible anal findings in a case of passive virginal
homosexual man. (UMMG)
5. Define MPC Section 377. Describe the examination procedure and findings in a case of
recently sodomized young boy. (UMTGI)
Forensic psychiatry

1. What are motives in feigned insanity? How would you differentiate between feigned
Insanity and true insanity? (UM1)
2. What are the motives for feigned insanity? How would you differentiate between feigned
insanity and true insanity? (UMM)
3. State “ MPC Section 84: Act of A Person of Unsound Mind ” and the differences between
true and feigned insanity. (UM2)
4. State ‘Myanmar Penal Code section 84’. Explain about ‘incapable of knowing the nature
of the act’ described in that section. What do you understand the term ‘Feigned insanity’?
Describe the differences between true insanity and feigned insanity. (UMMG)
5. State ‘Myanmar Penal Code section 84: act of a person of unsound mind. Briefly explain
about the nature of the act described in that section. Describe the features of an insane
murderer. (UMTGI)

Medical ethics

1. Explain biomedical ethical principles. (UM1)

2. Define infamous conduct. List the 6As, several Fs and others. Describe the criteria for de-
licensing of a doctor by Myanmar Medical Council. (UMM)
3. State the Physician’s Pledge: “ Declaration of Geneva ” as amended in 2017 by the World
Medical Association. What are the conditions where a doctor could be de-registered by
the Myanmar Medical Council? (UM2)
4. Define “ Professionalism in Medicine ”. Mention the fundamental principles and
professional responsibilities jointly adopted in the Physician Charter by ABIM, ACP and
EFIM in 2002. What are the five common models widely accepted for training
and assessing Medical Professionalism? (UM2)
5. Define ‘Medical ethics’ and ‘Medical etiquette’. Describe the biomedical ethical
principles. (UMMG)
6. Define "Serious professional misconduct" and describe the various types of "serious
professional misconduct". (UMMG)
7. State the definition of ‘Serious Professional Misconduct’. Describe the mostly found
types of serious professional misconduct which may lead to erasure or suspension from
the register. (UMTGI)

Medical negligence

1. Describe the common causes for medical negligent actions in a case of civil Malpraxis.
(UM1)
2. Discuss about the common causes of medical negligence actions. (UMM)
3. Explain the term “ Medical Negligence ” and its essential elements in the current clinical
practice. (UM2)
4. Define ‘Medical negligence’. Describe about ‘Damage’, ‘Direct relationship’ and ‘Res
ipsa loquitur’ in medical negligence. (UMMG)
5. Define medical negligence. For a medical negligence is to be proved which factors must
be shown. Regarding the defenses available for the defendant doctor, explain the
following terms (a) Contributory negligence (b) Delegation of duties (UMTGI)

Toxicology

1. Describe the duty of a medical practitioner in a case of suspected poisoning. (UM1)

2. What are the diagnostic criteria for alcoholic intoxication? Explain the differential
Diagnosis of alcoholic intoxication. (UM1)
3. Describe the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, management and postmortem features of
Organic phosphate insecticides poisoning. (UM1)
4. Write a short account on sulphuric acid poisoning. (UMM)
5. List the criteria used to diagnose death from intravenous narcotism. What are the possible
causes of death in these cases. (UMM)
6. Describe the features of a viper. Describe the components of venom, local and systemic
features of bite, complications and post-mortem features of viper envenomation. (UMM)
7. Discuss the duty of the medical officer in a fatal case of suspected poisoning. (UM2)
8. Define “ Under Influence of Alcohol ”. Outline the medial examination procedure of a
suspected drunken person. What are the possible opinions that could be offered after
examination? (UM2)
9. Describe briefly the guiding principles in collection, labelling and dispatch of forensic
samples. What are the security measures that should be taken in sending medico-legal
samples to the Chemical Examiner Office? (UMMG)
10. Describe briefly the criteria used to diagnose of death from IV narcotism. List the
specimens to collect to request for chemical analysis in that case. (UMMG)
11. Describe the guiding principles of collection, labelling and dispatch of forensic samples.
Explain the use of preservatives in collection and sending of these samples? (UMTGI)
12. Describe the clinical effects of acute amphetamine poisoning. (UMTGI)
13. What do you understand by the term “under the influence of alcohol”? Describe the
clinical features of alcohol intoxication including diagnostic criteria. (UMTGI)

Principles and guidelines for management of medico-legal cases

1. Write down the guidelines on management of medico-legal cases. (UMMG)

Short notes

1. Florence test (UMM)

2. Sadism (UM1)
3. Incest (UMM)
4. Bestiality (UMMG)
5. Exhibitionism (UMTGI)
6. Testanmentary capacity (UM1)
7. Profession Versus Vocation (UMM)
8. General Ethical Principles in Medical Practice (UM2)
9. Informed consent in medical practice (UMMG)
10. Res Ipsa Loquitur (UMTGI)
11. WMA Declaration of Lisbon (1981) (UM2)
12. Declaration of Lisbon (UMTGI)
13. Withdrawal signs and symptoms of narcotic drug abusers (UM1)
14. Adequate information in sending Forensic Samples to Chemical Examiner Office (UM2)
15. Signs and symptoms of organic phosphate poisoning (UMMG)