Forensic pathologist: The real key to the Chauvin verdict (opinion)

Many of the terms being used by expert witnesses — doctors, emergency medical responders — and lawyers in the trial are complicated or unfamiliar to the public. Understanding these may be crucial to following the proceedings.

Hypoxia or anoxia. These terms, respectively, describe a lack or absence of oxygen going to the brain or other organs. The prosecution has been asking witnesses whether Floyd died because not enough oxygen was going to his brain. They will likely be arguing that Chauvin killed Floyd by putting his knee on Floyd’s neck, cutting off the flow of blood — and thus…