Age estimation in living individuals is a medico-legal procedure of paramount importance, particularly in French and European legal contexts. It is decisive for establishing identity and applying legal frameworks, notably for Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs) whose minority status confers specific fundamental rights. However, the reliability of age estimation methods and the heterogeneity of medico-judicial practices raise major challenges.

This article aims to provide an overview of age estimation practices in living individuals in France and Europe, identifying scientific, legal, and ethical gaps, and proposing concrete recommendations for harmonization and improvement of these procedures.

A comprehensive review of relevant scientific literature, legislative texts, and institutional reports in France and several European countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Switzerland) was conducted. The analysis focused on medical methods used (bone and dental imaging), legal frameworks (presumption of minority, consent, probative value of examinations), and challenges encountered by involved professionals.

Age estimation practices in France and Europe are characterized by significant heterogeneity, often subsidiary recourse to medical examinations, and scientific limitations inherent to current methods (imprecision, error margins, individual and population variability, non-therapeutic nature of radiation). The presumption of minority, although protective, is applied inconsistently, and inter-agency coordination is often insufficient. These dysfunctions result in legal uncertainties and risks to the fundamental rights of UAMs.

Age estimation in living individuals, particularly UAMs, requires harmonization of protocols, adoption of an integrated multidisciplinary approach, rigorous quantification of result uncertainty, and strengthening of practitioner training. These developments are essential to ensure fair, reliable, ethical procedures that respect children's rights, in accordance with international obligations.