Transcript Forensic Anthropology Introduction

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.