Forensic histopathology in Milan University : history, present and future

Introduction: the authors illustrate the main activities of the Histopathologic Forensic Laboratory of the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Milan founded in 1934, on the occasion of the seventyfour anniversary of its foundation. The main activities of the Laboratory include the diagnostic histopathology of the cases requested by the Italian Criminal Investigation Service and the research activities in the field of forensic pathology according to the tradition of the Forensic School of Milan. Material and Methods: the Authors describe the main histopathologic techniques used in the investigations of legal proceedings and sanitary autopsies. Seventeen years ago a microbiologic laboratory was created to investigate cases in which bacterial infections were strictly related to the cause of death. Result and Conclusions: the Histopathologic Forensic Laboratory confirm its valid help and contribution to the investigation and solution of legal proceedings according to the traditional method of research and diagnostic activity of the Milan School of Forensic Medicine.