| Definition | Constriction of neck by ligature, force being body weight | Constriction of neck by ligature, hands or other means without body suspension |
| Manner of death | Usually suicidal | Usually homicidal |
| Ligature mark level | Above thyroid cartilage | At or below thyroid cartilage |
| Direction of ligature mark | Oblique, upward towards knot | Horizontal/transverse |
| Continuity of mark | Incomplete (interrupted at knot) | Usually complete and continuous |
| Base of mark | Pale, dry, parchmentized | Soft, reddish, bruised |
| Face | Usually pale | Markedly congested and cyanosed |
| Salivary dribbling | Common | Rare |
| Petechial hemorrhages | Less marked | Marked |
| Neck muscle hemorrhage | Slight or absent | Common and marked |
| Fracture of hyoid bone | Uncommon (except elderly) | Common |
| Fracture of thyroid cartilage | Less common | Common |
| Asphyxial signs | Less prominent | Well marked |
| Tongue | May protrude | Frequently protruded and swollen |
| Fingernail abrasions on neck | Usually absent | Common |
| Other external injuries | Usually absent | Often present due to struggle |
| Carotid intimal tears | May occur | Less characteristic |