220 YEARS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC MEDICINE, MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE NAMED AFTER HONOURED PROFESSOR M.S. BOKARIUS KHARKIV NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

The article is dedicated to the 220th anniversary of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law named after Honored Professor M.S. Bokarius of Kharkiv National Medical University – one of the oldest and most influential scientific and educational institutions in the field of forensic medicine in Ukraine. It highlights the history of the department's establishment since its founding in 1804, emphasizing the contributions of distinguished scientists and department heads to its development. The article describes the achievements of each stage of the department's activities, including the organization of the first anatomical theater, creation of educational materials, development of innovative methods in forensic medical examinations, identification of individuals, toxicology, and criminalistics. Special attention is given to the contributions of Professor M.S. Bokarius, who laid the foundations of modern Ukrainian forensic expertise, and his successors, who expanded and deepened research in forensic medical science. The article also highlights the significance of the department as a base for training highly qualified specialists, organizing scientific and practical conferences, creating educational materials, and establishing the Museum of the Department's History.