Canadian inquiry eyes pathologist's work

TORONTO, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- A judicial inquiry began Monday into the work of a man once considered a leading child pathologist in Ontario, Canada.

The inquiry, being conducted in Toronto, was called after a review of 45 autopsies performed by Dr. Charles Smith found he made allegedly questionable conclusions of foul play in 20 of the cases, 12 of which resulted in criminal convictions and one in a finding of not criminally responsible. the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

The inquiry is expected to spend three months reviewing the conduct of the Ontario coroner's office and pediatric forensics in the province. Recommendations are expected by April, the CBC said.

Smith was considered a leading pediatric forensics expert at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. During his two dozen years at the hospital, he conducting more than 1,000 child autopsies before resigning in 2005.

Since the review brought Smith's autopsies into question, courts have been reviewing convictions resulting from his work.