The Body as Evidence

Abstract

The body may be used in evidence in a number of ways, through samples of bodily fluids, blood, urine, semen as well as fingerprints and DNA evidence. Exterior marks, such as tattoos, scars or signs of physical injury, may also be used in evidence, as well as footprints, and it is likely that greater use will be made of biometric identifications of irises in the future. The use of the body as a source of evidence has become more important with technological and scientific advances, notably DNA profiling. However, the use of bodily samples as evidence raises a number of issues, namely the relationship between the privilege against self-incrimination and bodily samples, issues of privacy and bodily integrity, and the equality of arms principle.