Strangulation-Hanging General aspects, epidemiology, criminalistics and pathophysiology

In the first part of a series of CME articles on the general topic of strangulation, some general aspects of hanging are examined from the perspective of forensic practice. Against the background of decreasing autopsy numbers, it is becoming increasingly difficult for future medicolegal specialists to acquire the necessary experiential knowledge about the diverse manifestations of hanging. The introductory chapter is devoted to the basic principles as well as the epidemiology, criminology and pathophysiology of death by hanging. A particularly challenging task is the recognition of death by hanging with a lack of evidential traces and cases of dissimulated acts of hanging. Homicide with suspension of the victim to simulate suicide can escape detection if the autopsy findings are not scrutinized with a critical eye. In every case a holistic approach is recommended taking into account the situation at the scene and the criminalistic investigation results relevant for assessment.