In forensic terms, what does “postmortem interval” refer to?

The term "postmortem interval" specifically refers to the time that has elapsed since a person has died. This measurement is crucial in forensic science for several reasons. It helps forensic experts establish a timeline of events surrounding a death, which can be pivotal in investigations to determine if a death was due to natural causes, an accident, or foul play.

By analyzing changes in the body after death, such as rigor mortis, livor mortis, and decomposition, forensic scientists can provide an estimate of how long it has been since death occurred. This information can significantly influence criminal investigations, as it can link suspects or witnesses to the time of death, providing critical evidence in cases of homicide or other suspicious deaths.

In contrast, the time taken to perform an autopsy, the duration of a crime investigation, or the interval between first response and police arrival are related to the broader context of forensic procedures but do not define the specific interval since a person's death. Therefore, understanding the postmortem interval is fundamental to forensic practices and plays a key role in building a case.