Disgraced pathologist Charles Smith pleads no contest

Dr. Charles Smith, the disgraced pathologist whose inaccurate court testimony on more than a dozen baby and child deaths sent innocent people to jail, has pleaded “no contest” for his conduct. Though he did not attend a disciplinary hearing Tuesday, through his lawyer, he admitted to unprofessional and incompetent acts. The hearing was told that Smith blamed others for his mistakes, exaggerated his experience and offered opinions outside his expertise. A public inquiry three years ago shed light on his misguided work, and he has not practised medicine since August 2008. During his testimony before the inquiry, Smith said his errors were not intentional. Carolyn Silver, speaking for the college, said Smith failed in “multiple cases” to gather “relevant information.” She added: “Dr. Smith expressed opinions ... that were either contrary to, or not supported by, the evidence. These failures compromised the administration of justice.”

The Globe and Mail