Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Pages: 286-290

Journal: Rechtsmedizin

Volume number: 21

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0937-9819

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00194-011-0736-2

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
The German term Pietat (reverence or respect) is an essential moral principle in handling the human corpse. However, its ethical implications have not yet been deliberated. After an introduction to the conceptual history of the term, two aspects of Pietat are described: the discreet consideration towards the bereaved and the respect for the human corpse. Consideration for the bereaved is shown to be a generally binding requirement. In contrast, the way in which respect for the corpse is shown and the motivation depend on particular cultural, religious or individual moral values and ideas of afterlife. Therefore, reverent behavior in legal medicine is geared towards the specific needs of the bereaved provided that it does not prevent the realization of other fundamental values and principles.

Harvard Citation style: Preuss, D. (2011) Pietat (reverence) in legal medicine. Autopsy of a term, Rechtsmedizin, 21(4), pp. 286-290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00194-011-0736-2

APA Citation style: Preuss, D. (2011). Pietat (reverence) in legal medicine. Autopsy of a term. Rechtsmedizin. 21(4), 286-290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00194-011-0736-2