Ethical limits to confirming identity by morphological features

Authors

  • André Oliveira Sobral Universidade de Pernambuco
  • José Rodrigues Laureano Filho Universidade de Pernambuco
  • Adriana Conrado de Almeida Universidade de Pernambuco

Abstract

Technological advancements have generated tools to help with identifying individuals, allowing to verify identities and solve crimes by confirming found missing persons or accident victims, for example. An important ethical question, however, arises: do the ends always justify the means? Can facial identification from images collected by closed-circuit television cameras or analysis of photographic records confirm someone’s identity unequivocally? Can fingerprints or lip prints be used for any dactyloscopy? Knowing the limitations of scientific technical methods used in morphological comparisons allows examiners to comply with two fundamental constitutional principles: that of legality and right of the human person. By respecting them, examiners will be acting according to ethical limits.

Keywords:

Ethics. Facial recognition. Dermatoglyphics. Lip. Expert testimony. Forensic anthropology.

Author Biography

André Oliveira Sobral, Universidade de Pernambuco

Engenheiro Mecânico - UFPE; 

Pós Graduado em Logística Empresarial - Universidade de Pernambuco - UPE;

Mestrando em Perícias Forenses - Universidade de Pernambuco - UPE.

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2023): Publicação continuada

Published:

2023-04-10

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How to Cite

1.
Sobral AO, Filho JRL, de Almeida AC. Ethical limits to confirming identity by morphological features. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2023 Apr. 10 [cited 2024 May 18];31(1). Available from: http://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/3392