Spain

The usefulness of arthropods in forensic research in Spain was rst reported by Mariano de la Paz Graëlls (1809-1898). This medical doctor and naturalist made a pleasant review of the entomological changes associated with the decomposition process, listing the insects and mites involved during the decay process (Graëlls 1886), and describing previous cases reported in France

CONTENTS

15.1 Brief Review of the History of Forensic Entomology in Spain ............................................ 145 15.2 Current Status of Forensic Entomology in Spain ................................................................. 147 15.3 Procedures and Regulations for Forensic Entomology in Spain .......................................... 148

15.3.1 National Police Force ................................................................................................ 148 15.3.2 Institute of Legal Medicine ...................................................................................... 149 15.3.3 University .................................................................................................................. 149

15.4 Where to Study Forensic Entomology in Spain.................................................................... 150 15.4.1 University of Alcalá .................................................................................................. 150 15.4.2 University of the Basque Country ............................................................................ 150 15.4.3 University of Cordoba and University of Lincoln .................................................... 150 15.4.4 University of Murcia ................................................................................................. 150 15.4.5 University of Zaragoza ............................................................................................. 151 15.4.6 Universitarias Lucía Botín ........................................................................................ 151

15.5 Scientic Associations .......................................................................................................... 151 15.5.1 Asociación Española de Entomología ...................................................................... 151 15.5.2 Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa .......................................................................... 151 15.5.3 Asociación Andaluza de Entomología ..................................................................... 152 15.5.4 Gipuzkoako Entomologia Elkartea: Asociación Gipuzcoana de Entomología ........ 152

15.6 Regulation ............................................................................................................................. 152 15.7 Future Trends in Forensic Entomology in Spain .................................................................. 152 References ...................................................................................................................................... 152

by Bergeret (1855), Lichtenstein et al. (1885), and Mégnin (1894), to support the usefulness of arthropods as applied tools in forensic research. Graëlls made a special effort to introduce his students to the importance of having an adequate background about the biology of the arthropods in their environment, especially those related to the decomposition process. He also encouraged magistrates to consider the value of entomological evidence in court. Nevertheless, the potentiality of forensic entomology in Spain remained disregarded for years.