Forensic psychological autopsy in suicide: problems and prospects of using the method

This article discusses the definition of “psychological autopsy”, the features of this method, the stages of this procedure, examples from judicial practice, as well as the problems and prospects of this method in Russia and abroad. Psychological autopsy is an important tool in forensic science, which allows investigative authorities to solve complex and contradictory crimes. Despite the lack of an appropriate standard of psychological autopsy, investigators and police officers must undergo training and orientation programs related to criminal psychology and human psychology. This will help them better interpret all the evidence, which may ultimately help resolve suicidal and ambiguous deaths. The intervention of a forensic psychologist in clarifying the case is important, because when he arrives at the crime scene, he can begin to form the outline of the subject’s personality simply by looking at his organization of space, furniture, decorations, etc. In addition to a medical autopsy, access to medical history, medical and legal records, notes, letters, diaries or anything else that can provide additional information about how the subject felt, what thoughts he had before his death, etc. is required. One of the main functions of a psychologist is to interpret signs and evidence at the crime scene.