Retinal Hemorrhages: Evidence of Abuse or Abuse of Evidence?

Citation:

Clark, Brian J.: Retinal hemorrhages: evidence of abuse or abuse of evidence? American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 22(4):415-419, December 2001.

Abstract

Notes:

• No one wants to see child abuse go unpunished, but it is equally bad to destroy the lives of innocent people with false accusations due to overzealous investigation, refusal to study alternative explanations, or narrow-minded pursuit of blame for an infant's death.
• "We have an inescapable duty to get this right!"
• Medical witnesses often refuse to challenge the weight of professional opinion.
• In this field more than others, doctors alter the facts to fit the hypothesis rather than altering the hypothesis to fit the facts.
• The hypothesis that severe shaking forces are necessary is favored but not proven.
• Dr. Plunkett's article on short falls is important and should stimulate debate and lead to a better understanding of truth.