Retrospective review was undertaken of all autopsies in which methadone was detected at the Forensic Science Centre, South Australia, during a 3-year period from July 1996 to June 1999. Thirty-five cases were found in which methadone had either caused or contributed to death (age range = 14-54 years; average = 31 years; M:F = 3.4:1). Ten victims were participating in a methadone maintenance program, of whom four died within a week of enrollment. Eight victims (23%) not enrolled in a methadone maintenance program were found who had died after the use of "diverted" methadone (i.e., prescribed for someone else) (age range = 14-34 years; average = 25 years; M:F = 6:2). Deaths were directly attributable to methadone toxicity in seven of the eight cases, with additional drugs or alcohol being found in seven cases. Prevention of ongoing deaths caused by methadone diversion could be achieved by allowing only daily releases of methadone, with the addict having to consume the drug under close supervision.
Three cases of traditional punishment in Central Australian Aboriginal men are presented in which the thighs were speared or stabbed as part of a "payback" system. In two cases, an unexpected effect of the stabbing or spearing was death due to severing of major leg vessels. The relationship between customary Aboriginal law and general law in Australia has not been clearly defined; however, these cases demonstrate that significant and untoward effects may result from traditional punishments. Pathologists working near traditional Australian Aboriginal communities may still encounter such injuries at autopsy.
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