Forensic Anthropology. Introduction

Transcription

1 Forensic Anthropology Introduction

2 Introduction This course is Biological Anthropology We have covered many themes Primates Evolution Paleoanthropology Genetics Disease Life Cycle Variation

3 Forensics We have also covered lots of forensics Handwriting Toxicology Pathology Body Fluids Fingerprinting

4 Forensics and Anthropology Forensic Anthropology is where Forensics meets Biological Anthropology

5 My Background Biological Anthropology Graduate School Human Osteology Museum

6 This Unit Last Unit for Seniors! Plan What is Forensic Anthropology Osteology & The Bones Features in the Bones Review and Test

7 What is Forensic Anthropology? Physical or Biological Anthropology Physical Anthropologists who specializing in examining human skeletal remains where legal questions are involved

8 What is Forensic Anthropology? Video Clip for Forensic Anthropology

9 What is Forensic Anthropology? Multidisciplinary with other forensic disciplines Knowledge of the bones complement the pathologist s knowledge of the soft tissue

10 What is Forensic Anthropology? Human Identification Age, sex, race, stature Cause and Manner of Death Reconstruct way of life up until death

11 Specialties What is Forensic Anthropology? Interpret post-mortem processes Recover scattered or buried remains Extrapolate soft tissue on skeletal form Biomechanical interpretation of sharp and blunt force injuries to bone

12 What is Forensic Anthropology? Three Major Tasks Identify Victim Reconstruct post-mortem period Provide data about death event

13 History of Forensic Anthropology First in Guide to Identification of Human Skeletal Material by FBI Trotter in repatriated bodies of WWII soldiers in Hawaii 1979 First Textbook

14 Today Forensic Anthropologists can determine age, sex, height, ancestry and some behavior Work with pathologists, entomologists Work in labs at universities and medical institutions; work with law enforcement and medical examiners

15 Three Fields of Forensic Anthropology Forensic Osteology: study of the skeleton Forensic Archaeology: controlled collection and excavation of human remains

16 Three Fields of Forensic Anthropology Forensic Taphonomy: study of changes occuring to human remains at the time of and after death including trauma, decomposition and environmental modification.

17 Secrets in the Bones Examining the bones can reveal: If the bones are human The age The height The sex Injuries Nature of wounds History of accidents/injury Medical and childbearing history

18 What do Forensic Anthropologists Ask When Identifying Remains? Are they human? How many individuals? Sex? Age? How long ago did they die? Manner and cause of death?

19 How can you become a Forensic Anthropologist? Major in Anthropology Courses In Biology & Physical Sciences Also: statistics, archaeology, anatomy and osteology Ph.D. in anthropology (human anatomy and osteology) Experience in Field Exam from American Board of Forensic Anthropology

20 You will also need Record of research, papers and publications in the field Lectures and participation in professional training in forensics College teaching experience Trial experience Only 50 certified

21 Other Specialties Facial reproduction Radiography Dental analysis Analyze special evidence: insects, blood, hair, fur, DNA analysis Mass Disaster Assistance

22 Employment Usually will teach at universities or work in museums Usually consult part time

23 Services offered by Forensic Anthropology Lab Collected recovery of remains & evidence Analysis of remains for positive ID Clarification of circumstances of death Presentation of evidence and opinions in court

24 Video Clip Forensic Anthropologist

25 Things That Forensic Anthropologists CANNOT Do Autopsies Final Determination of cause or manner of death Final positive identification from dental or medical X-Rays Weight