Experiences with a compound method for estimating the time since death. I.Rectal temperature nomogram for time since death

The temperature-based nomogram method for estimation of the time period sin ce death was used at the scene of death as the primary method within a comp ound method in 72 consecutive cases. The situation and cooling conditions i nspected and evaluated by the forensic pathologist at the scene are describ ed as far as necessary to enable handling of the method. A comparison of th e estimated period since death with the period determined by the police inv estigations demonstrates the reliability of the method. There were no contr adictions in any of the 60 cases between the period of death estimated by t his method and that determined by the police investigations. The criminal i nvestigations were effectively supported in the earliest stages in 11 cases despite the fact that the period estimated was of considerable duration.