There are both medical and
forensic reasons for this, as already outlined. I will now discuss the
basis on which genital injuries have been considered to have
forensic significance, then review some research studies with a
focus on their implications for the forensic physician and the legal
process. I will suggest that it is necessary for the forensic physician
to apply caution to avoid over-interpretation of examinationfind-
ings when asked to give an expert opinion.