Tanatologia forense

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Forensic thanatology is the branch of forensic science that studies death-identification of the corpse, mechanisms, cause, medico-legal differential diagnosis - and its legal implications. However, the objectives of thanatology are not always fully achieved, due to factors such as the advanced state of decomposition of the corpse, scarcity of data or poorly directed necropsy (Santos, 2003). In this sense, it is necessary to understand the complexity of the concept of death and go beyond cardiac arrest. DEFINITIONS OF DEATH Brain death comprises the irreversible impairment of relationship life and the coordination of vegetative life (França, 2017). Cortical death corresponds to the impairment of relationship life, while the brainstem continues to regulate other vital processes (France, 2017). With the advent of organ donation, the definition of brain death became much more accepted and necessary. For its determination, the Federal Council of Medicine requires the performance of two clinical exams, an apnea test and a complementary exam. ORGAN DONATION As for organ donation, the National Congress enacted the Transplantation Law, which provides for Decree 2,268, article 16, on the importance of the diagnosis of brain death, which must be verified by two doctors, of which at least one must have a title specialist in neurology (Brazil, 1997). Articles 2, 14 and 5 deal with the organ responsible for the donation of organs for therapeutic purposes, the realization of the deceased's wish regarding organ donation and the donation of organs from legally incapable persons, respectively. CORPSE RIGHTS With the end of life, there is no end of rights, as the corpse has legal protection, governed by existing laws. This legal protection exists because of respect for the dignity and memory of the deceased person. Thus, the position that has greater predominance nowadays is that the legal nature of the corpse is a personal right. TANATOGNOSIS Thanatognosis, a branch of thanatology, is responsible for the diagnostic study and understanding of the signs of death, which can be divided into abiotic and transformative phenomena. DESTINY OF THE CORPSE Inhumation: Known as burial, it is the most common destination and depends on a system of control and legal formalities such as the death certificate and the death certificate for the corpse to be taken to the cemetery. Exhumation: It comprises the unearthing of the corpse, regardless of the place where it is buried, with a purpose that ranges from reducing doubts obtained in a first necropsy about the cause of death to verifying the identity of the individual. Cremation: The corpse is turned into ashes after being placed in electric ovens at a temperature of 800 to 1000º for about 1 to 2 hours. Embalming: Embalming aims to prevent the putrefactive decomposition of the corpse and the consequent disconnection of its parts, or to allow its burial within a period longer than 4 days after the death or its transport out of the place where the death occurred. CAUSES OF DEATH The causes of death can be natural, violent, suspicious, sudden and agonizing.