Death time estimation in case work. I. The rectal temperature time of death nomogram.

A rectal temperature time of death nomogram was developed on the basis of physical considerations, the two-exponential term of Marshall and Hoare (J. Forensic Sci., 7 (1962) 56-81), further studies of literature and our own experimental body coolings. The Nomogram Method is based on a single measurement of the rectal temperature. The result is obtained immediately at a scene of crime without any mental arithmetic. Support in the practical application of the method and data for the accuracy of estimated death time are given. Special problems and its limitations are discussed. The Nomogram Method is compared with other temperature methods of estimating the time since death.