中国古代坐婆法医检验角色探析

Exploration of the forensic examination role of ancient Chinese zuopo

坐婆在中国古代法医检验中发挥着不可替代的作用,因其接生助产的身份被世人熟知,而其参与、协助法医检验之职能却常被忽略。坐婆与仵作虽均为贱吏,但分工明确,各司其职,在胎孕、流产、堕胎、处子检验方面对古代鞫情断狱均提供了重要帮助。坐婆自战国晚期始便参与法医检验,两宋时期蒙官方之明肯,至清代则专设其职。对这一角色的探索,还原了古代坐婆与司法实践之间的联系,更加清晰地展现了古代法医检验的环节和技艺,其法医检验和医技传承贡献值得肯定和进一步探究。

Zuopo played an irreplaceable role in ancient Chinese forensic examination,as their role as midwives was more well-known and their role in participating and assisting in forensic examinations was often overlooked.Although both zuopo and wuzuo had low social status,they had clear division of labor and each performed their own duties.They played an important role in the ancient investigating and adjudicating cases of pregnancy,miscarriage,abortion,and virginity testing.Zuopo had been involved in forensic testing since the late Warring States period.During the Song Dynasty,they received clear official recognition,and in the Qing Dynasty,their positions were specifically established.The exploration of this role restored the connection between the ancient Zuopo and judicial practice,and more clearly demonstrated the links and skills of ancient forensic examination.Their contribution to forensic examination and medical technology inheritance deserves recognition and further exploration.