Identification

Definition:

It is the recognition of an unknown person (living, dead or body remains) through certain features and characters which differentiate him from all others.

Classification:

It may be complete or partial

1. Complete identification means the absolute fixation of the individuality of a person.

2. Partial identification means ascertainment of only some facts (e.g. sex, age, race, stature) about the identity while others remain still unknown.

Types:

1- Legal identification:

It is complete description of an unknown dead body in order to know the identity of this person later on.

It is required in:

• Cases of fire, explosion, travel accidents.

• Unknown dead body found on the road, in the fields, railway
  compartment or in water.

• In cases of decomposed bodies, mutilated bodies or in skeletal remains.

2- Personal or civil identification:

It is recognition of a dead body or living person by his relatives, friends or witness, in front of civil courts e.g. in inheritance, missing persons, disputed paternity or maternity.

3- Criminal identification:

It is the job of the police. It comprises dactylography, photograph, lip prints and foot prints and by DNA. It is required in cases of murder, rape, impersonation, interchange of new born.

The medico-legal expert may be asked to identify the following:

- Collection of bones or skeletal remains.

- Dead body or parts of a dead body.

Category: Forensic Medicine Notes