General Law

Bertillonage

0159-en RE520 Criminal Law As of 11.07.2026


Bertillonage is an anthropometric system for identifying people by measuring their body mass and by describing them using specific categories. In the meantime, it has become obsolete and has been replaced by dactyloscopy (fingerprint method).

Deutsch

Bertillonage 0159-de

Die Bertillonage ist anthropometrisches System zur Identifizierung von Menschen durch Messung ihrer Körpermasse und durch Beschreibung mit Hilfe bestimmter Kategorien. Zwischenzeitlich überholt und durch die Daktyloskopie (Fingerabdruckverfahren) abgelöst.

Suggested citation

Bertillonage (0159-en), in: LAWPEDIA®-Glossar, provided by LAWCONSULT AG, www.lawconsult.ch/lawpedia/en/bertillonage, as of: 11.07.2026 [accessed on ].

The entries in the LAWPEDIA® glossary serve general information purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Despite careful preparation, LAWCONSULT AG accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information.

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