CRIM 355 Chapter 6: Chapter 6.doc

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRIM 355
• Professor: Gail Anderson

Document Summary

Broad application of theory and methods of anthropology to forensic problems. Most = specialists in physical anthropology study of human biological function and variation particularly skeletal biology. Recently increasing important roles in recovery of human remains, but cultural anthropologists not often involved in forensic casework. Predominant forensic need expertise from medicolegal context investigation of death and injury for criminal or civil legal purposed. Physical anthropologist ability to understand forms and variations of human skeleton = complements forensic pathologist emphasis on soft tissue. Identify victim/at least providing a biological profile (age, sex, stature, ancestry, pathology, individual features, anomalies: reconstructing post-mortem period based on remains condition and recovery context. 4: provide data regarding the death event, including evidence of trauma during perimortem period. If participated in recovery they need to document recovery processes and forensic taphonomy of site. Recovery and examination of remains multidisciplinary team + competencies and level of expertise + work collaboratively + share knowledge and skills.