4. Neuromuscular: Articles may be clutched e.g., weapons, grass (“a drowning man catches at a straw”), hair, mud; cutis anserina may be present; emissio seminis or abortion may have occurred; the eyelids are usually open at death; children are usually born with the eyelids sealed.
V. HEARSAY TESTIMONY:
MEDICO-LEGAL EXCEPTIONS TO THE GENERAL RULE WHICH FORBIDS THE RECEPTION IN COURTS OF SUCH TESTIMONY.
1. The rule is not strictly observed in the Coroner’s Court, wherein an enquiry, and not a trial between parties, is held.
2. Formally recorded dying declarations; the medical adviser often hears “the last whisper of life.”
3. Spontaneous and voluntary confessions are sometimes made to medical men.
4. Where the statement in question was part of the proceedings under investigation, thus:
a. The complaints and natural expressions of a patient as to what he feels: his words aid in deciding the course of treatment.
b. The natural expressions of a frightened person, who has not had time to concoct a lie: thus after personal injuries, indecent assault, or rape.