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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2014 Susan Easton
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Easton, S. (2014). The Body as Evidence. In: Silence and Confessions. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137333827_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137333827_8
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-46239-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-33382-7
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social Sciences CollectionSocial Sciences (R0)