ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1978
Page Count: 5

Embalming Artifacts
Rivers, RL
Coroner's pathologist, Root-Scott-Rivers Laboratory, Calif.

(Received 15 September 1977; accepted 3 December 1977)

Abstract

Exacting accuracy is a necessity for the forensic scientist, but that accuracy becomes a challenge when the scientist is faced with common or unusual mortuary procedures that have simulated or disguised antemortem conditions of the body. The forensic scientist can spend many difficult hours attempting to correctly interpret the postmortem insult if he is not familiar with techniques used by morticians in the preparation of a body for burial. Should the condition of the body be incorrectly analyzed, the result could be the acquittal of a person guilty of murder, or worse, the conviction of an innocent person.

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Paper ID: JFS10703J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10703J
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