Journal Published Online: 01 April 1978
Volume 23, Issue 2

Personal Identification of Human Remains: An Overview

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Personal identification of human remains, as a science and as an art, occurs in a variety of sociocultural contexts. Unknown remains resulting from accidents and homicides occupy the attention of identification specialists in criminalistics, and unknowns resulting from military engagements and mass disasters are the focus of identification specialists in both military and civilian agencies. Each group of specialists has, within its respective identification agency, its own techniques and methods for establishing identity, and each group has its own criteria with which to verify identification. The purpose and functions of personal identification also vary within the context of the investigative agencies, but all identification specialists, regardless of their agency affiliation, are oriented toward establishing an individuality that can be validated by comparison with supporting social data.

Author Information

Warren, CP
University of Illinois at Chicago Circle, Chicago, Ill.
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS10774J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10774J