Hanging is a form of asphyxia where the entire body weight is suspended by the neck, often using a ligature or noose. It can be caused by suicide or homicide. Some key differences between suicidal and homicidal hanging include that suicidal hangings typically involve less violence, fewer injuries over the body, and undisturbed clothing, while homicidal hangings usually have more injuries, disarranged clothing, and no visible marks on the chest from burst capillaries due to obstructed blood circulation. Determining whether a hanging was suicide or homicide relies on careful analysis of the scene and body.