Abstract
Hanging is a form of mechanical asphyxia in which compression of the neck by a ligature occurs under the influence of the body weight or a portion of the body weight. Although hanging is frequently encountered in forensic practice, determination of the cause and manner of death may be challenging, particularly in cases involving partial suspension, atypical ligature marks, decomposition, intoxication, or associated traumatic injuries. A reliable forensic investigation requires systematic documentation of the scene, examination of the suspension mechanism and ligature, detailed external and internal examination at autopsy, appropriate toxicological and histopathological investigations, and correlation with investigative information. The presence, morphology, and distribution of a ligature mark should not be interpreted in isolation. Modern approaches involving postmortem computed tomography, digital photography, three-dimensional documentation, molecular and biochemical investigations, and advanced toxicology may provide additional information in selected cases. This review summarizes the major forensic principles involved in the investigation of hanging cases, discusses the interpretation of scene and autopsy findings, highlights important differential diagnoses, and examines emerging technologies that may improve the accuracy and reproducibility of forensic opinions.
Keywords: Hanging; forensic pathology; mechanical asphyxia; ligature mark; neck compression; autopsy; forensic toxicology; postmortem imaging; forensic investigation; manner of death.
1. Introduction
Hanging represents an important form of mechanical asphyxia encountered in forensic medicine. It results from compression of the neck by a ligature associated with suspension of the body. The mechanism may involve obstruction of the airway, impairment of venous return, arterial compromise, stimulation or inhibition of reflex pathways, and combinations of these mechanisms [1–3].
2. Conclusion
The forensic investigation of hanging is a multidisciplinary process requiring careful scene examination, preservation of physical evidence,
References
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[4] Byard RW. Forensic Pathology of Asphyxial Death. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2022.
[5] Payne-James J, Byard RW, Corey TS, Henderson C, editors. Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine. 2nd ed. Oxford: Elsevier; 2016.
Full reference list available in the PDF version.