Forensic anthropology is a sub-field of physical anthropology which study of human remains that involves applying skeletal analysis and techniques in archaeology to solving criminal cases (David Hunt, 2013). Besides that, forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process. The identification of skeletal, badly decomposed or otherwise unidentified human remains is important for both legal and humanitarian reasons. Forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific technique developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains and to assist in the detection of crime (Blythe Camenson, 2001). Forensic anthropologist are needed when a suspected burial or human remains are found to gather …show more content…
There are a few processes that must accomplish by the anthropology when they are called to the scene. Firstly, the anthropologist must do on-site identification of scattered corpses as they are found to determine either they are human nor not. This detection is to allow the anthropologist to proceed with search strategy in response to emerging anatomical scatter patterns then they will inform to the search team when the remains are complete and the search can be discontinued. Any crime scene is delicate in nature and continuous contamination more likely to occur and this can be an issue. It is caused by the destruction of corpses by the perpetrator, animal or time that makes the identification process difficult to do. Next, in order to preserve the scene, grids are placed around the crime area. The anthropologist will set up a screening area where the material from the scene and surrounding area will be systematically shifted through a screen to reveal human remains, artefacts, fibres and associated insects. Last but not least, the anthropologist will set up a staging area for excavation. This process includes the screening of various plants, earth materials, metals and sediment. The scenes are not only processed by forensic anthropology, however this expert contributes to the discovery and preservation …show more content…
Initially, the forensic anthropologist would classify as traumatic events caused by gunshot, sharp instruments or blunt. If using a blunt instrument, it can leave the impact marks, broken bones and can break bones which can determine the shape and type of trauma. Moreover, anthropologists will investigate the gunshot wounds and they will rebuild the skull was shattered by a gunshot to assess the damage. This assessment can help forensic experts to determine how many shots were fired, sharp and blunt damage and gunshot wounds. Therefore, these injuries can help forensic anthropology to provide information that required by the coroner or medical examiner to identify the cause of death by damage to bones. The main focus of a forensic anthropologist is to process the crime scene, examine and process remains, create a biological profile, provide a documentation of their findings and testify in the court law. So, they can give expert answers and conclusion that can help to give any results in every
William Maples is a forensic anthropologist, someone who specializes in the human skeletal system, its variations across the world, and its changes through life and across many lifetimes; not a forensic pathologist, a medical doctor with its residency training in pathology. Maples defends the use of science to understand human nature; he defends the science of forensic anthropology for its usefulness in solving gruesome crimes and historical mysteries. He says that it can pay for itself in reduced court costs and that every state in the United States should have at least one on staff. Decomposition involves two processes: autolysis and putrefaction. Autolysis occurs when digestives juices start to digest the gastrointestinal tract.
A major crime scene, such as JonBenet’s, details where serious physical and/or emotional trauma is reported, this can include crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and rape (Standing Bear 1999). Due to the nature of a homicide, evidentiary findings can only be determined after a professional examination of the crime scene has occurred (Pepper 2010). The three principles to ensure an effective investigation is conducted includes: rapid response to the crime scene; to secure the scene before evidence is contaminated, damaged, lost or stolen. Secondly, gathering of evidence, all evidence at the crime scene must be preserved and noted whether physical or testimonial; in some cases, this can lead investigators straight to the perpetrator. Lastly, processing of the evidence; this includes putting together all available evidence to determine a verdict in court (Pepper 2010).
Science has come a long way over the years. It has helped countless every day struggles and cure diseases most commonly found. What you don’t hear about however is the advancement of forensic science. Forensic science has helped solve countless cases of murder, rape, and sexual assault. In the case of John Joubert, it helped solve the murders of three young boys with one small piece of evidence that linked him directly to the crime.
career journal activity: 1.2.3 Bone Detectives description: read interviews with forensic anthropologist and synthesize a definition of the career. my work: A forensic anthropologist is a group of people who investigate a dead body to discover its gender, ancestry, stature, ethnicity and other unique features about it. Through their investigations they can also discover how the victim may have died and other important background information that can move the investigation further in solving the case. A forensic anthropologist needs to be able to conduct research, know their bones, muscles and other body parts along with be able to make educated conclusions related to the received data and observations they find and make. activity: forensic anthropologist
Unit 2 Discussion: Cabin in the Woods 1. Provide a fictitious scenario for a crime that could occur and produce the assigned evidence in the environment you were assigned (image). You can be creative or draw inspiration from a film or book. Remember to select a crime based on the Category Block that you were assigned based on your last name. Make sure you end your scenario with officers being called to the scene.
Evidence found at the place of the crime can give investigators clues to who committed the crime. For example, investigators can find footprints, fingerprints, or even the murder weapon. In fact, a hatchet was found on property, which detectives believe is the murder weapon(Allard,2013). This is important because the hatchet gives clues to who committed the crimes.
A positive aspect of this is that forensic scientists only need a small amount of a sample to get the results they need (“Forensic Science” 12). These samples can come from many other forms of identification other than fingerprints and bloodstains. A few moderate examples include strands of hair, tiny beads of sweat, and a saliva specimen (“Forensic Science” 12). Forensic Science Technicians stated that “crime scene investigators may use tweezers, black lights, and specialized kits to identify and collect evidence.” They also stated that examining autopsies prove to be beneficial in a crime investigation (“Forensic Science Technicians”
Some of the overlapping areas of the subfields of anthropology are that forensic anthropology and osteology are connected because a forensic anthropology relies on processes that osteologists use to determine how an individual died, weather it was from diseases, natural causes, or other causes. Forensic anthropologists used the same methods when human remains are found in an archeological site, forensic anthropologists determine if the remains are recent or the remains of a hominin. Another overlapping area would be primate paleontology and primatology. These two subfields are similar because on focuses on the habits, environment, and lifestyles of fossilized primates while the other subfield focuses on the behavior patterns of primates and how they differ from the behavior of humans and other non-human primates. It is important to understand humankind from a holistic perspective because it will show how humans developed and evolved and adapted to their environments
“Forensic anthropologist usually works in three broad categories,” said Texas State professor Jerry Melbye.” A Forensic Anthropologist help examine a human skeletal or decomposed remains in a legal setting to establish the identity of an unknown individual and to help determine the cause of death. A Forensic Anthropology work to find the individual that was murdered or was a homicide. They need to find the biological profile of that person.
Getting a job in forensics takes the ability to incorporate all of the scientific strengths learned and the love for solving crimes. Giving expertise on legal activities also plays a major role in investigating and solving misdemeanors(“Discover Careers in Forensic Science”). Many occupations in forensics can be sometimes labeled as morbid or gruesome. Some of these careers may include, forensic crime scene investigators, coroners, anthropologists, and pathologists(forensic medical examiners)(Palmer). These professions salaries can range anywhere from 50,000 to over 200,000 a year(Kaelin).
This can be done by DNA fingerprinting or by collection of body fluids, such as saliva, semen, urine, blood, skin and hair, found at the scene. Secondly, DNA testing can rule out possible suspects as well. DNA testing can be used to free individuals
● It can be used to determine if a person is guilty or not. The evidence from forensic can be enough to put a person into prison. ● It can be used to solve old unsolved cases if there is still DNA available from that case. ● Help identify victims in big disasters where the body of the person can not physically be easily
The term “post-mortem examination” refers to any form of examinations that are carried out after death. While necropsy (look at the dead) and autopsy (see for oneself) are also used together with post-mortem examination, the word “autopsy” is more accurate in matching the procedural aim: to observe the body directly than to depend on disease indicators like signs and symptoms. Forensic medicine, on the other hand, comes as a subset of medical jurisprudence. It involves retrieving and analysing of medical evidences from samples to formulate objective information in legal usage.
Forensic anthropology is the branch of anthropology which deals with the recovery of remains as well as the identification of skeletal remains which involve detail knowledge of osteology (skeletal anatomy and biology). In other words, forensic anthropology is the application of anthropological knowledge and techniques in the identification of human remains in medico-legal and humanitarian context. Forensic anthropology includes the identification of skeletal, decomposed or unidentified human remains. Forensic anthropology may also help determine the age, sex, stature and unique features of deceased from their remains. Personal identification is one of the main aspects of medico-legal and criminal investigations.
Crime scene photography, sometimes referred to as forensic photography or forensic imaging, is the art of producing an accurate representation of an accident or crime scene. Crime scene photography is an important asset in the collection of evidence at the crime scene, documents the appearance and location of victims, shell casings, footprints, bloodstain patterns, and other physical evidence. In order for photographs to be admissible in a court of law, the standard for photographs of crime scenes and evidence must be of sufficient quality. Photography has a vital role in the decision made in court because the pictures are to represent the scene as it was exactly. Digital SLR single reflex camera is the most often used camera in crime scene investigations.