REVIEW   Free access

Minerva Forensic Medicine 2022 March;142(1):13-23

DOI: 10.23736/S2784-8922.22.01817-9

Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Human identification in forensic contexts

Soren BLAU ✉

Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

This article provides an overview of human identification in forensic contexts. While the identification of living individuals is considered, the focus of the article is the identification of deceased persons. The term “identification” is defined, followed by an outline of the contexts in which identification may be required and the reasons why it is socially and legally important. The principle of human identification, which rests on developing and testing an identification hypothesis, is then discussed and a summary of different identification methods is provided. While numerous identification methods may potentially be available for a specific case, ultimately achieving a result involves assessing multiple lines of evidence rather than relying on a single technique. The context in which an identification is required, the quality and quantity of ante- and post-mortem data, and the availability of technologies all influence the identification process. Potential outcomes of the identification process are described, including considerations for what procedures should be in place when it is not possible to identify an individual. Finally, technological advancements in DNA and artificial intelligence are discussed in relation to progressing the ways in which human identification may be achieved.

KEY WORDS: Forensic sciences; Disaster victims; Review