The Department of Forensic Medicine at KMC Mangalore caters to the teaching needs of medical undergraduate students in addition to medico-legal work. The department uses an array of teaching methods ranging from lectures to small group teaching methodologies to innovative modalities such as Role play videos/Online quiz/crosswords/student prepared MCQs/problem-based learning exercises. Included in the medico-legal responsibilities of the department is to function as the office of the State Medico Legal Consultant wherein the Professor and Head of the department serves as the Honorary State Medico Legal Expert to the Govt. of Karnataka and Associate Professors as District Medico legal consultants and gives their consultancy services to the Investigating authorities regarding examination of skeletal remains, exhumation and expert opinion. As part of social responsibility, the department conducts various workshops/CMEs aimed both at law enforcement agencies and public in general.

Medico-legal autopsies
As part of the first public-private partnership model in the entire state, the department is also responsible for the medico-legal autopsies conducted at the Government District Head Quarters Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore round the clock

Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit
The Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit (CFMU), at Kasturba Hospitals, Attavar handles all the medico-legal cases of the teaching hospital of the institute. The CFMU also acts as a consultancy service for all medico-legal issues that may arise in relation to patient care and treatment. The CFMU issues various medico-legal certificates and reports while acting as the bridge for interaction between investigating authorities and the hospital.

International Collaborations
Part of various MoUs between the department and institutes in Europe (France) and Africa (Ethiopia).

Forensic Odontology Course
Conducts a well-regarded blended Forensic Odontology course in association with Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, in training dental faculty in handling Disaster Victim Identification

Fully functional and complete one-stop district medico-legal centre which performs upwards of 800 autopsies per year. The mortuary block consists of a well-equipped modern mortuary with adequate cold storage facility to handle small scale mass casualties, separate rooms for the bereaved, multiple inquest rooms and a gallery facility to medical graduates to witness autopsies.

Modern museum with a variety of specimens that are used both as teaching aids to students and educational tools for the public during outreach programs