Wegener R, Rummel J
Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Rostock.
Verh Dtsch Ges Pathol. 2001;85:109-17.
The lecture explains the current legal position in Germany and is intended to help pathologists make decisions. I. The term "unnatural death" is a technical term within the meaning of section 159 German Code of Criminal Procedure. Even "indications"--again a legal term--constitute a statutory duty to make an immediate report. If such causes for suspicion arise at autopsy, the pathologist is confronted with an ethical and legal dilemma. With his report he can trigger a chain of events that is no longer under his control, and may extend well beyond the original request for a medical diagnosis. II. Starting with the relevant definitions for the subject, the lecturer focuses on the special case of unexpected death in connection with medical intervention. Where does the pathologist's responsibility end? Which information channels must be observed? The pathologist's rights, duties and degree of discretion are discussed. III. Finally, the lecturer addresses the "matter of the body" which must be examined by the responsible state prosecutor as a consequence of the pathologist's report.
本次讲座阐释了德国目前的法律状况，旨在帮助病理学家做出决策。一、“非自然死亡”这一术语是《德国刑事诉讼法典》第159条意义上的专业术语。即便“迹象”（同样是一个法律术语）也构成立即报告的法定义务。如果尸检时出现此类可疑原因，病理学家将面临伦理和法律困境。通过他的报告，他可能引发一系列不再受其控制的事件，而且可能远远超出最初要求进行医学诊断的范围。二、从该主题的相关定义入手，讲师重点探讨了与医疗干预相关的意外死亡这一特殊情况。病理学家的责任止于何处？必须遵循哪些信息渠道？讨论了病理学家的权利、义务和自由裁量程度。三、最后，讲师谈到了“尸体问题”，由于病理学家的报告，负责的州检察官必须对此进行审查。
