The utility of plastinates in court: a case of firearm homicide

Abstract

Plastination is a technique renowned for its use in the preservation of human tissues or organs, and is mainly employed in anatomical training and in research regarding various scientific fields. The advantages of this method are related to the natural appearance, absence of odor, and easy-handling of the plastinated products. The use of plastinates in forensic sciences, their potential role in personal identification, and their usefulness in interpretation of post-mortem findings has been described, although literature on this topic is poor. The present paper is the first report of a firearm homicide where the brain of the victim was plastinated and presented in court as documentary evidence. Three dimensional examination of the brain during the trial allowed the judge to directly evaluate the pathway of the projectile and to compare it with the information that was presented based on depositions, post mortem data and police investigations, in a more straightforward manner. The important role played by plastination in the reported case in assisting with the final verdict could be a catalyst to extend the use of this technique to other criminal cases.