CONCEPT, TYPES AND IMPORTANCE OF BODY MODIFICATION FOR FORENSIC PRACTICE

The article discusses the definitions of body modification and other concepts («modification of body», «somatic modifications») developed in psychology, psychiatry, ethnology and other sciences to denote intentional change of the body. The opinions of foreign scientists regarding these concepts are given. The essential features of body modification, which include the consciousness of a change in the body, are determined; conditionality by ritual, aesthetic, sociocultural, and psychological motives; independence from medical indications; relative stability; reflexivity, individuality. It justifies the need to include the concept of «body modification» and its synonyms («modification of body», «somatic modification», «bodymod», «bodmod»), concepts denoting varieties of this phenomenon (piercing, scarification, etc.) in the scientific language of criminology. Formulated definition of the concept of «body modification» in relation to the science of forensics. Classifications of body modifications developed by scientists in various branches of knowledge are given. The author's classification of body modifications is formulated, based on four basic criteria: location; execution technology; degrees of stability; presence and signs of accessories. The most common types of body modification in forensic practice (tattooing, piercing, scarification, implants) and their varieties are described. Lists features that characterize various types of body modifications; signs indicating their modification and removal. It identifies the main problems associated with the fixation and use of information on body modification in the practice of law enforcement agencies, suggests ways to solve them. The idea of the need for a deep and complex forensic investigation of body modification is substantiated.