There are demands in the United States for an inquiry into the pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination on the baby in the murder trial of the British au pair, Louise Woodward.

The Massachussetts' Bar Association has called for all criminal cases dealt with by the pathologist, Dr Gerald Feigin, to be reviewed following news of his resignation over his failure to conduct another unrelated post-mortem examination properly.

Lawyers for Louise Woodward have argued that in her case, Dr.

Feigin failed to preserve brain tissue which could have been crucial evidence.

A jury found Miss Woodward guilty of murder of the baby in her charge but a judge reduced the verdict to manslaughter.

The state has appealed against the decision.