MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECT OF IDENTIFICATION Flashcards
is the recognition of an individuals determine, by characteristics which distinguish that individual from all others
IDENTIFICATION
IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION OF PERSON
- To establish the identity of the offender and that of the victim in the prosecution of the criminal offense otherwise it will be a ground for the dismissal of the charge or acquittal of the accused.
- To identify a person missing or presumed dead in order to facilitate the settlement of the estate, retirement, insurance, and other social benefits. It vests on the heirs the right over the properties of the identified person.
RULES IN PERSONAL INDENTIFICATION
- The greater the number of points of similarities and dissimilarities of two persons compared, the greater
is the probability for the conclusion to be correct. - The value of the different points of identification varies in the formulation of conclusion.
It is known as the Law of Multiplicity of Evidence in Identification
PERSONAL INDENTIFICATION
Methods of Identification
BY COMPARISON; and
BY EXCLUSION
Identification criteria recovered during investigation are compared with records available in the file, or postmortem finding are compared with ante-mortem records.
BY COMPARISON
If two or more persons have identified and all but one is not yet identified, then the one whose identity has not been established may be known by the process of elimination.
BY EXCLUSION
ORDINARY METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
- Characteristics which may easily be changed
- Characteristics that may not easily be changed:
Characteristics which may easily be changed
a. Growth of hair, beard or mustache
b. Clothing
c. Frequent place of visit
d. Grade of profession
e. Body ornamentations
This may easily be shaved or grown within a short time. Arrangement
may be changed artificial hair may be worn or ornamentation may be placed to change its natural condition.
Growth of hair, beard or mustache
A person may have special preference for certain form, texture, or style.
Clothing
A person may have a special desire or habit to be in a place if ever he has the opportunity to do so.
Frequent place of visit
A medical student of the upper clinical year may be recognized by the stethoscope, a graduate or student nurse by her cap, a mechanic by his tools, a clergyman by his robe, etc. A change of grade,
trade, vocation or profession may be resorted to as a means of concealing identity.
Grade of Profession
Earrings, necklaces, rings, pins, etc. ^-^usually worn by persons may be points to identify a person from the rest.
Body Ornamentations
Characteristics that may not easily be changed
a. Mental memory
b. Speech
c. Gait
d. Mannerism