[An analysis of the errors in determining the time of death by cadaveric changes during the performance of the initial inquiry activities].

Analysis of 265 forensic medical expert conclusions on murdered subjects' corpses permitted us to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the errors made by forensic medics examining the corpse at the site where it was found. In 23.4% of cases these errors were due to improper methodology of thanatometric investigations and were made by forensic medics of different length of service and qualification. Approaches to improving the diagnosis of time of death during the initial investigation are outlined.