Forensic age diagnostics of living people undergoing criminal proceedings

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 144; no. 2; pp. 243 - 245
• Main Authors: Schmeling, A., Olze, A., Reisinger, W., Geserick, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 10.09.2004; Elsevier; The Lancet Publishing Group, a division of Elsevier Science Ltd; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Age determination (Zoology); Age Determination by Skeleton; Age Determination by Teeth; Anthropometry; Biological and medical sciences; Clavicle ossification; Criminal investigation; Dentition; Europe; Forensic age estimation; Forensic sciences; Forensic Sciences - legislation & jurisprudence; Forensic Sciences - methods; General aspects; Hand ossification; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Ossification; Sexual maturation; Europe; Sexual maturation; Hand ossification; Forensic age estimation; Clavicle ossification; Dentition; Proceedings; Age estimation; Clavicle; Diagnosis; Hand; Age; Ossification
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.04.059

In the German-speaking area, recent years have seen a rapid growth of the need for forensic age estimations. Such need arises, for example, if no verified information on the age of a person suspected of a criminal offence is available; the issue at question in terms of criminal law is whether the person concerned has reached the age of criminal responsibility and whether general criminal law in force for adults is to be applied. The relevant age tresholds in criminal proceedings are 14, 18 and 21 years of age. According to recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics, a forensic age estimate should consist of a physical examination, an X-ray of the hand, and a dental examination which records dentition status and evaluates an orthopantomogram. In addition, a radiological or CT examination of the clavicles is recommended to establish whether a person has attained 21 years of age. The present article addresses the influence of ethnic origin on the examined developmental systems.