Criminal Investigation (Essay Sample)

Criminal Investigation
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One of the most significant frameworks of trying to determine the time of death of an individual is by first measuring the body temperature (Basu & Samet, 2002). The general equation used to evaluate this is
37.5 oC 1.5 oC
Steps in the calculations
Step 1
Covert the 90 F to degree Calcius which is now 32.2
Step 2
Deduct the living body temperature from the rectal temperature (37.5 oC - 32.2 oC) = this gives you 5.3oC.
Step 3
Divide 5.3oC by 1.5oC/ hr = then you will get 3.53 hours: This means that the individual passed on 3.53 hours ago ().
Note: The determination of profound rectal temperature presumes the usual body temperature at time of death at 37.2 oC. This formula is equal to the normal body temperature of 37.5oC; keeping in mind that the body loses 1.5 oC/ hr until the body temperature is the same as that of the environment. This type of temperature that is equated to the environment around it is referred as ambient temperature (Raven et al., 1975).
This temperature; depending on how long it may take it can take hours or even minutes to get to this temperature. This is a clear indicator of the time a person has been dead. It is worthy to note that body temperature drops much faster when the body is brought in contact with extreme cold. For example, being left outside or immersed in cold water or ice (Wheaton & Hayes, 2010).

References
Basu, R., & Samet, J. M. (2002). Relation between elevated ambient temperature and mortality: a review of the epidemiologic evidence....