The factor which constitutes the essential difference between mass murders and serial killings is the element of time. Mass murders take place in a relatively short period of time and generally in the same place. Serial killings can be separated by long intervals of time and can take place in locations far from each other.

Many methods have been proposed to estimate the postmortem interval, based in particular on the heat loss of the cadaver. These methods have the advantage of being simple to use and giving a rapid result. However, they raise real problems when the cadaver has been immersed, either totally, partially or temporarily.

The authors present six cases of homicide and suicide in which the weapon involved was a handgun using shotshell. The injuries caused are described and the ballistic characteristics of the weapons are studied. Such weapons, which are relatively easy to obtain, are not as innocuous as they may appear, since they may be modified either by changing the barrel or by removal of the device inside the barrel which is intended to prevent the firing of solid slugs.

Elements de diagnostic et conduite pratique a tenir face a des enfants victimes de sevices. Rapports entre le medecin traitant et les autorites responsables