The body in forensic autopsy from the perspective of commodification or sacredness

Abstract

Forensic autopsy practice places the deceased body in a dialectical position between the value of sacredness as a representation of inherent human dignity and the phenomenon of commodification within the modern medico-legal context. This interdisciplinary literature review analyzes the concept of the sacredness of the body from the perspectives of religion, moral philosophy, and medical ethics. On the one hand, the deontological approach emphasizes absolute respect for the corpse as an entity with intrinsic dignity, avoiding any treatment that is degrading or merely instrumental. On the other hand, utilitarianism justifies autopsy as an instrument for pursuing justice, legal proof, and public benefit, even though it may shift the body into an object of scientific data. The autopsy process leads to desacralization through the "medical gaze," yet medical ethics demands dignified handling to preserve integrity and respect. This study concludes that the tension between sacredness and commodification is complementary; modern forensic autopsy must balance scientific-legal interests with humanistic values, ensuring that the corpse remains respected as a symbolic ethical subject while also serving as an epistemic source of truth.