The role and impact Forensic Anthropology has on death investigations Research Paper

The role and impact Forensic Anthropology has on death investigations - Research Paper Example Forensic anthropology applies the techniques and methodology of skeletal biology and osteology to forensic (i.e., legal) cases. One such set of techniques used is â€Å"anthropometry,† which aims at the quantitative assessment of gender, age, ancestry, and stature, as well as the analysis of trauma and disease. When such analytical techniques are applied to modern remains the identity of which is unknown, for the purpose of establishing the identity of the person and the manner and circumstances of death, then the exercise pertains to the forensic application of onteology, e.g., the study of skeletons for the purpose of establishing a ground for legal action. (Adebisi, 2009). This study shall seek to provide an assessment of the role and impact of forensic anthropology in death investigations. An overview of recent developments in this field and new theories garnered from academic journals is given, leading to a generalisation of the importance of the field in resolving cases of deaths where the identity of the deceased is unknown. Contemporary developments of forensic anthropology Forensic anthropology is not needed in all cases of post-mortem analysis. ... There are occasions when anthropologists would be instrumental in positively identifying the person whose remains had been discovered, but in most cases their work involve gathering information and reducing the uncertainties in order to exclude as many groups as possible and thereby narrow the possibilities. Principally, the anthropologist aims to supply police investigators with the profile of the deceased and provide them clues to its identity. Arguably, their most important tool is the Fordisc program, used by the forensic anthropologists to identify particular attributes and characteristics present in the remains to identify the racial or ethnic group to which the deceased belongs. Most forensic anthropologists work in tandem with homicide investigators, odontologists and pathologists in order to determine who the decedent is, whether his death was caused by a violent at, and how much time had passed since death occurred (Adebisi, 2009). They could not, however, declare the offic ial cause of death; even so, their research could inform the final report of the medical examiner who is charged with this authority. They may also be asked to give evidence in court as expert witnesses, but reservations about certain methods or techniques that are acceptable and used in the discipline (e.g. forensic facial reconstruction) render them inadmissible in court. Identification of numerous victims of war The war in Croatia lasted from 1991 to 1995. During that time, countless individuals, many of whom were civilians and therefore not bearing any forms of identification, were killed and interred collectively in mass graves. A particular case that proved more of a challenge than the others was the case of the multiple individuals contained in 13 wells. There