THE ROLE OF LEGAL MEDICINE OFFICIAL CRITERIA IN THE PREVENTION OF TORTURE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Legal Medicine seeks to bring symbolic reparation to victims of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in addition to contributing to society, ensuring justice and preventing further episodes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature review using scientific articles (2021-2022), Treaty of Forensic Anthropology, Istanbul Protocol, Guidelines of resolution nº 414 of the National Council of Justice and Notebook of Official Questions of the Civil Judicial Police of the State of Mato Grosso. RESULTS: Almada et al. (2022) carried out a study of death in custody during state terrorism in Uruguay (1973-1985), and it was possible to observe that the profile of the victims was predominantly male with a mean age of 37 years. Most victims died violent deaths, the predominant cause of which was torture. Petersen (2022) offers his 30 years of experience working with documentation and prevention of torture, bringing the main points related to his visits to detention centers in different countries. DISCUSSION: It is not an easy job to abolish torture and mistreatment after a dictatorial regime, after all a culture of repression was created. It is believed that the denial by the rulers in the first years of democracy is decisive for the perpetuation of the practice in the country. The investigation and documentation clarify the facts and facilitate the exercise of criminal action, in addition to bringing the need for reparation and reimbursement by the State to the victims. CONCLUSION: The official requirements must be reformulated in order to contemplate the investigation of events and enable the creation of public policies.