Legal Definitions - Bertillon system

The Bertillon system is a method of identifying criminals by measuring and describing their physical characteristics. It was developed by Alphonse Bertillon, a French anthropologist, in the early 20th century. The system has been largely replaced by fingerprinting.

The Bertillon system records various physical measurements, such as height, arm span, sitting height, head length, ear width, foot length, finger length, and forearm length. It also includes photographs, hair and eye color, complexion, scars, tattoo marks, and any asymmetrical anomalies.

For example, if a suspect is arrested and their physical measurements match those recorded in the Bertillon system, it can help confirm their identity. Additionally, if a suspect has a unique scar or tattoo, it can be used as evidence to link them to a crime.