Correcting one of my posts from earlier in this thread:
The defense team in the Scott Peterson case, including Drs. Lee and Wecht, were allowed to examine the bodies at some point after the original autopsies were performed.
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http://www.findlaci2003.us/bodies-exam-lee.html
Autopsies were performed on the badly decomposed remains shortly after they were
found just over a mile apart along the shoreline near Richmond.
Last month, Girolami granted a defense request to conduct its own examination of
the bodies. On Friday he issued a ruling that laid out guidelines for the examination,
including the use of photographs, videotape, X-rays and the removal of "reasonable"
amounts of tissue and fluid samples.
The defense team was required to provide its own medical instruments, and the group
brought in cases on wheels, a large brown paper bag and other items.
Defense experts routinely review autopsy findings in murder cases, and second
autopsies are becoming increasingly frequent, said Dr. Michael Baden, a former New
York City medical examiner, who has worked with both Lee and Wecht on other cases.
"Mistakes can be made, intentionally or unintentionally," Baden said. "It's always
appropriate for the defense to review things. Suppose they come back and agree
100 percent with the prosecution. The defense may want to plea bargain."