Manner of Poisoning
Definition
The medico-legal label for how the poison reached the victim: accidental, suicidal or homicidal. Decided by the IO and the magistrate, not by the toxicologist, but informed by the toxicology report.
- Categories
- Accidental, suicidal, or homicidal
- Decided by
- Investigating officer and magistrate
- Not decided by
- The toxicologist
- Toxicologist's role
- Supplies the analytical report that informs the decision
Common questions
Why doesn't the toxicologist determine the manner of poisoning?+
Toxicology can establish what substance was present and at what concentration, but manner requires weighing circumstantial evidence, such as access, intent, and scene context, which falls outside the scientist's expertise and is reserved for the investigating officer and the legal process.
Can the manner of poisoning change after the initial classification?+
Yes. An initial accidental or undetermined classification can be revised to suicidal or homicidal as investigation evidence, such as a note, witness statement, or inconsistency in the reported circumstances, comes in after the toxicology report is already finalised.
Related terms
- Asphyxiant
- A poison that interferes with oxygen delivery or use. Simple asphyxiants (CO2, methane) displace oxygen; chemical asphyxiants (CO, HCN, H2S) block haemoglobin...
- Corrosive
- A poison that destroys tissue at the point of contact by acid, alkali or oxidising action. Concentrated H2SO4, HCl, HNO3 and NaOH...
- Irritant
- A poison that inflames mucous membranes and gut lining without dissolving them outright. Includes inorganic irritants (arsenic, antimony, copper sulphate, phosphorus) and...
- Neurotoxic
- A poison whose primary target is nervous tissue. Subdivided by site of action into cerebral (alcohol, opioids), spinal (strychnine, gelsemium) and peripheral...
- Poison
- Paracelsus framed the working definition in 1538 as 'sola dosis facit venenum', the dose alone makes the poison. Any substance, including water...