This collection of essays presents fresh interpretations of the growth of medico-legal ideas, institutions and practices in Britain, Europe and America over the past four hundred years. Based on a wealth of new research, it brings the historical study of legal medicine firmly into the realm of social history. Case studies of infanticide, abortion, coroners' inquests and criminal insanity show that legal medicine has often been the focus of social change and political controversy. The contributors also emphasise the formative influence of legal systems on medico-legal knowledge and practice. Legal Medicine in History enlarges our understanding of the public role of medicine in modern western societies, while opening up new perspectives on social, cultural and political history.

"..this is a book both for history of medicine buffs and for those involved in the many branches of legal medicine...there are fascinating glimpses--some amusing, some ineffably sad--of past years when the lot of the poor and disenfranchised was a hell manipulated by the aloof, patronizing, and often cruel officialdom of doctors and lawyers." Bernard Knight, British Medical Journal

"The editing is superb, including the careful introduction and helpful cross-references added to fome of the papers....it is a book thich thies reader looks forward to having for continuing enjoyment and reference." Journal of the History of Medicine

"...the essays all reflect high standards of scholarship and together offer a powerful demonstration of the importance of legal medicine to an understanding of history as a whole. The volume is well-produced, with an excellent index." Anita Guerrini, Albion

"In demonstrating the participation of a diverse set of medical experts in lower-level forums, the editors and essayists have collected descriptions of the connections between medicine and the law at an important everyday level." Law and History Review

"...this collection of essays...will bear reference from those in the crime and criminal justice fields." Louis Knafla, International Criminal Justice Review