Abstract
The end result of decomposition of humans is more intimately familiar and perhaps of greater interest to forensic pathologists than to any other group whose duties include the evaluation and investigation of postmortem remains on a routine basis. From such remains, the forensic pathologist may be asked to make an evaluation of the cause and manner of death and, perhaps, how long the body had been in situ. These determinations may be challenging, even for the experienced investigator, depending on the condition and location of the remains. The extent, pattern, and nature of decomposition in a specific circumstance may be of great significance and utility in the forensic investigation of a death. Conclusions and inferences drawn from the investigation can be the subject of scrutiny, consideration, and documentation.
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© 2005 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ
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Powers, R.H. (2005). The Decomposition of Human Remains. In: Rich, J., Dean, D.E., Powers, R.H. (eds) Forensic Medicine of the Lower Extremity. Forensic Science and Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-897-8:003
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-897-8:003
Publisher Name: Humana Press
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