Terminology:

Physiological Time of Death The time when the decedent’s vital functions actually ceased

Estimated Time of Death The time the medical examiner estimates that the death occurred

Legal Time of Death The time of death recorded on the death certificate; based on when the body was found or
physically pronounced dead
Rigor Mortis the stiffening of joints and muscles after death

Algor Mortis the change in body temperature after death

Livor Mortis pooling of the body following death that causes a purplish red discoloration of the skin; also referred
to as lividity

Question: Why is determining time of death often difficult?

Answer: It is difficult to determine the time of death because there is no single factor that will indicate the time of physiological
death.

Timeline of Changes: Create a descriptive timeline for the first 48 hours after death containing descriptions for
what happens to the body during key time intervals post mortem.

Timeline After Death (record what happens at each time listed)

Amount of After Death: Post Mortem Changes:
 the body begins to match the temperature of the body’s
Immediately after death surroundings by cooling or heating.
 the body begins to match the temperature of the body’s
30 mins surroundings by cooling or heating.
 the corneas which is the clear parts of the eyes, become milky or cloudy.  the muscles contract and stiffen. When
2-4 hours the heart stops beating, blood settles or collects on the parts of the body facing the ground.

8-10 hours The bluish color seen on the skin where blood pools is called livor mortis or lividity.
Full signs happen within five hours and lividity is fixed in place in 8-12 hours.

24 hours Body temperature typically reaches the temperature of the surrounding environment
within 24 hours of death. The presence of eggs, larva, or full-grown bugs
36 hours Decomposition begins 36-48 hours after death. The body turns greenish in
color and may swell or bloat as bacteria break down tissue and release
gas.
36-48 hours Decomposition begins 36-48 hours after death. The body turns greenish in
color and may swell or bloat as bacteria break down tissue and release gas.

Scenario 1: If a body is Scenario 2: If a body

warm to the touch and shows signs of lividity in
without rigor, what can you the fingers and toes but is
deduce about the time of found lying on its back,
death? what conclusions can you
make regarding the death?

it has been less than two hours since they died. it has been over 2 hours since the death. probably more than five
hours if you can see the lividity fully.