Forensic age assessment

Abstract

Forensic age assessment in living juveniles and young adults without valid identity papers has become increasingly important in recent years. In many countries the legally relevant age limits are between 12 and 21 years. According to the recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics, a physical examination, an X-ray examination of the hand and a dental examination including the evaluation of an orthopantomogram should be used for age assessment. If the skeletal development of the hand is completed, an additional CT scan of the clavicles should be carried out. Advanced clavicular ossification proves that the legally significant age limit of 18 years has been exceeded. Age-related variations, which result from the application of the reference studies to individual cases, such as different ethnicity or different socioeconomic status must be considered in the assessment. The application of the minimum age concept ensures that age overestimations are avoided.