ESTIMATION OF THE TIME SINCE DEATH

• Jurisdiction: Australia

Estimation of the time since death ............................................................... [35.650]

Physical state of the remains........................................................................ [35.660]

The environmental context............................................................................ [35.670]

Associated entomology ................................................................................. [35.675]

Associated vegetation ................................................................................... [35.680]

Associated artefacts ...................................................................................... [35.690]

Soil stratigraphy and soil sampling ............................................................... [35.700]

Chemical tests ............................................................................................... [35.710]

[35.650] Estimation of the time since death

Under certain conditions of high temperature and humidity, a recently deceased human body exposed on the surface may become completely skeletonised within as short a period of time as 14 days. In colder or drier climates it may take months or even years for the soft tissues to decompose and disintegrate...