Forensic Anthropology

What is it all about?

Forensic Anthropology

• When all that is left is a pile of bones, that's when the police know to call in a forensic anthropologist.

Anthropology is the study of humans.

It consists of several sub-fields: • Physical anthropology• Cultural and linguistic anthropology• Archaeology

Sub-fields of Anthopology

• Physical anthropology – the study of the primate order, past and present, such as primate biology, skeletal biology, and human adaptation

• Cultural and linguistic anthropology – the study of the aspects of human society and language, past and present

• Archaeology – the study of past cultures via material remains and artifacts

What is Forensic Anthropology?• Forensic anthropologists draw on each of the sub-fields, but generally rely on knowledge from physical anthropology to apply their expertise to skeletal remains.

• According to the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, "Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process.

• Forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist in the detection of crime."

• Given the emphasis on skeletons, there is a strong link between forensic anthropology and odontology.

Areas of Forensic Anthopology

• Much of what occurs in forensic anthropology comes from the area of osteology, or the study of bones.

• Some forensic anthropologists may also specialize in body decomposition and entomology (the study of insects) in order to help estimate the time of death.

• Forensic anthropologists assist medical and legal specialists to identify known or suspected human remains.

What does a Forensic Anthropologist do?• The main job is to help to identify a deceased person based on the available evidence.

A Forensic Anthropologist may also do tasks such as:• archeological excavation• examination of hair• examination of insects• examination of plant materials • examination of footprints• determination of elapsed time since death• facial reproduction• photographic superimposition• detection of anatomical variants• analysis of past injury and medical treatment.

Example

• When a skeleton found in a forest is brought to a morgue for examination, the first step is to determine whether the remains are human, animal, or inorganic material.

• If human, an anthropologist then attempts to estimate age at death, racial affiliation, sex, and stature of the decedent.

The Skeleton's Possible Significance to Medical and Legal Authorities.

• If the skeleton shows evidence of prolonged burial or is accompanied by coffin nails or arrow points, it usually represents an historic or prehistoric burial rather than a recent death.

Secondary Tasks

• They provide expert opinion on the type and size of weapon(s) used and the number of blows sustained by victims of violent crime.

• However, Forensic pathologists or related experts in forensic medicine determine the cause or manner of death, not the forensic anthropologist.

Most Valuable Skill• Familiarity with subtle variations in the human skeleton. • Although most adult skeletons have the same number of bones,

no two skeletons are identical. • Observations of patterns or unique skeletal traits frequently lead

to positive identifications. • The most frequently used method for identification is to compare

before- and after-death dental photo images • The next used method is old skeletal injuries or anatomical

skeletal variants revealed in other photo images that may provide the comparative evidence necessary to establish a positive identification.

Who do they work with?

• Forensic pathologists • Odontologists• Homicide investigators

To point out evidence of foul play and assist with time of death estimates.