Not like the movies: "One punch strikes may result in a range of injuries that can include permanent neurological impairment and death."

J Law Med Ethics. 2016 Jun;44(2):332-41. doi: 10.1177/1073110516654126.

Kings to Cowards: One-Punch Assaults.

Schreiber J1, Williams A1, Ranson D1.

Author information

• 1Jason Schreiber, FFCFM, MFFLM, DipFLM, is a Forensic Physician at the Clinical Forensic Department of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Angela Williams, MBBS, GradDipForensMed, MForensMed, GradDipLaw, FFFLM (UK), GAICD, MBA, FFCFM (RCPA), is a Senior Forensic Physician in the Clinical Forensic Medicine Department of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Monash University, Victoria, Australia. Dr Williams is a Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and a Fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom. David Ranson, B. Med. Sci., B.M., B.S., LLB., FRCPath., FRCPA., FACLM., FFFLM., FFCFM., DMJ (Path)., is a is Deputy Director of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in charge of the Forensic Service Division which covers a range of Forensic Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Forensic Medicine and Forensic Pathology.

Abstract

METHODOLOGY:

Literature Review and medico-legal commentary.

RESULTS:

Fatal one-punch assaults have been reported extensively in the media. This article provides a commentary on recent policy developments and legislative amendments in Australia regarding so called 'one-punch' assaults. Comparisons are made with the situation in other jurisdictions including the UK, US, and Europe. The clinical forensic medical aspect of fist strikes to the head and face is examined in the context of the recent media attention and public interest these cases have attracted. The increased recognition of the risk of harm and death inherent in these types of assaultive behavior is reflected in the policy and legislative changes that have taken place in some jurisdictions.

CONCLUSION:

One punch strikes may result in a range of injuries that can include permanent neurological impairment and death. Recent media and community concern regarding these cases and the need for stronger deterrence has resulted in a change in public policy and consequent legislative amendments.