Forensic medicine and its development in Great Britain is presented in light of clinical as well as traditional forensic medicine. The development of the police surgeon and coroner have been uniquely British developments and the former's role is discussed.The medicolegal autopsy and the role of the University Department of Pathology is mentioned as far as its contribution to the field is presented.The Home Office pathology and laboratory structure is discussed as are the systems in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Wales and Scotland. Mention is made of the systems in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.The current status of organizational forensic sciences is also mentioned.