Physicians should be aware that even on the operating table or in the resuscitation room, attention should be paid to documenting the injury, once stability of health status has been achieved; this early documentation of injury is more likely to be useful in later legal proceedings. In particular, the size, shape, and form of stab or other cutting injuries are useful if documented before exploration and suture or repair. Additionally, the apparent depth of penetration of an injury is also an issue that frequently arises in assault cases and can be assisted by good medical documentation. A photograph of a healed wound several weeks after the assault combined with medical notes that simply report ‘‘stab to abdomen’’ and an operation note that