Anatomy & Biological Anthropology (해부∙생물인류학)

Korean Association of Physical Anthropologists (대한체질인류학회)
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Analytical Review of the Forensic Anthropological Techniques for Stature Estimation in Korea

한국에서 사용되는 법의인류학적 키 추정 방법에 대한 제언

  • Jeong, Yangseung (Department of Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Middle Tennessee State University) ;
  • Woo, Eun Jin (Department of History, College of Liberal Art, Sejong University)
  • 정양승 (미들 테네시 주립대학교 기초응용과학대학 생물학과) ;
  • 우은진 (세종대학교 인문과학대학 역사학과)
  • Received : 2018.10.12
  • Accepted : 2018.12.04
  • Published : 2018.12.31
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Abstract

Stature is one of the unique biological properties of a person, which can be used for identification of the individual. In this regard, statures are estimated for the unknown victims from crimes and disasters. However, the accuracy of estimates may be compromised by inappropriate methodologies and/or practices of stature estimation. Discussed in this study are the methodological issues related to the current practices of forensic anthropological stature estimation in Korea, followed by suggestions to enhance the accuracy of the stature estimates. Summaries of forensic anthropological examinations for 560 skeletal remains, which were conducted at the National Forensic Service (NFS), were reviewed. Mr. Yoo Byung-eun's case is utilized as an example of the NFS's practices. To estimate Mr. Yoo's stature, Trotter's (1970) femur equation was applied even though the fibula equation of a lower standard error was available. In his case report, the standard error associated with the equation (${\pm}3.8cm$) was interpreted as an 'error range', which gave a hasty impression that the prediction interval is that narrow. Also, stature shrinkage by aging was not considered, so the estimated stature in Mr. Yoo's case report should be regarded as his maximum living stature, rather than his stature-at-death. Lastly, applying Trotter's (1970) White female equations to Korean female remains is likely to underestimate their statures. The anatomical method will enhance the accuracy of stature estimates. However, in cases that the anatomical method is not feasible, the mathematical method based on Korean samples should be considered. Since 1980's, effort has been made to generate stature estimation equations using Korean samples. Applying the equations based on Korean samples to Korean skeletal remains will enhance the accuracy of the stature estimates, which will eventually increase the likelihood of successful identification of the unknowns.

사람의 키는 당사자가 갖고 있는 고유한 생물학적 특질이기 때문에 어떤 사람의 신원을 특정하고자 할 때 유용한 단서로 활용할 수 있다. 이러한 이유로 범죄 사건이나 재난 상황이 발생한 경우 신원 불상 피해자의 신원을 확인하기 위해 표준화된 절차에 따라 키를 추정한다. 하지만 키를 추정하는 절차나 방법이 올바르지 않다면 추정된 키의 정확도는 낮을 수밖에 없다. 본 연구에서는 국내에서 발견된 백골 변사자에 대한 법의인류학적 감정 내용 가운데 키 추정을 위해 사용되는 방법의 적정성을 검토하고 키 추정치의 정확도를 높일 수 있는 방법들을 살펴보고자 한다. 이를 위해 국립과학수사연구원에 의뢰된 560건의 백골 변사자에 대한 부검 결과를 검토하였고, 구체적인 논의를 위해 고(故) 유병언씨(이하 '유씨'로 칭함)의 키 추정 사례를 이용하였다. 유씨의 키는 Trotter (1970)의 공식 가운데 표준오차가 더 적은 종아리뼈 공식이 있음에도 불구하고 넙다리뼈 공식을 이용해 추정됐다. 추정 결과를 보고하는데 있어서 '표준오차(standard error)'를 '오차구간'으로 간주함으로써 추정치의 범위를 지나치게 좁게 제시했다. 또, 나이듦에 따른 키 감소분을 고려하지 않았기 때문에 부검감정서 상의 유씨의 키는 사망 당시의 키가 아닌 생전 당시의 최고 키라고 해석하는 게 타당하다. 마지막으로, 한국인 여성의 키를 추정하기 위해 백인 여성 공식을 사용하게 되면 실제보다 키를 작게 추정할 가능성이 높다. 키 추정의 정확도를 높이기 위해 해부학적 방법을 고려할 필요가 있다. 만약 해부학적 방법의 적용이 곤란한 경우라면 한국인 자료를 이용해 개발된 공식을 적용하는 게 바람직하다. 1980년대 이후 한국인 자료를 이용해 키를 추정할 수 있는 방법들이 다수 개발됐다. 한국인을 대상으로 한 공식을 적용해 변사자의 키를 보다 정확히 추정한다면 향후 한국에서 발견된 변사자의 신원 확인 가능성 또한 높아질 것으로 기대된다.

Keywords

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