Strength Of Identification

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probates of wills depend on determination of identity (Christensen & Anderson, 2013). Identification is important for humanitarian reasons in cases of armed conflict and human rights investigations (Christensen & Anderson, 2013). But often more important to friends and relatives of the deceased, is the closure a positive identification may bring. Terms used to describe the strength of identification vary among forensic scientists and include: tentative, presumptive, probable, or positive (Anderson, 2006). A tentative or presumptive identification is typically based on associations with personal effects, such as finding a body with a driver’s license, but still require additional investigation for confirmation. Though personal effects do not provide conclusive evidence of identity, they can be useful in establishing leads in the identification process (Christensen, et al., 2014). A positive identification usually indicates the medicolegal authority (usually the medical examiner or coroner) is satisfied that all evidence supports that a correct identification has been made (Christensen, et al., 2014). …show more content…
Fairly straightforward as well, are cases of recent deaths where remains are fresh and visual examination of facial features, scars, tattoos, and birthmarks can provide an identification. However, these methods depend on the preservation of soft tissue components of the body, i.e., physical features not distorted by decomposition or injury (Sopher, 1972). When a visual identification cannot be made, other means such as fingerprint comparison, DNA analysis, comparative dental analysis, and radiological comparison are necessary (Koot, et al.,