Forensic Anthropology

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A forensic anthropologist is a branch of physical anthropology; they are someone who assists in a criminal investigation by analysing human remains. From the remains they can provide information concerning the origin and identity of a body, as well as finding out how they died.

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Forensic Anthropology

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Once a body is located, the forensic anthropologist, along with a team of other scientists, is called to the crime scene to help collect the body. They then take the remains back to their lab to be cleaned and examined more closely.

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How is this area of science used to solve crime? Part 1

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Because the bones and other remains may be in the earlier stages of decomposition, the bones must be cleaned from any muscle or tissue before the evaluation can commence.

Studying the bones of an individual can give clues to who they were when they were alive. It can signify any conditions the individual had prior to death, it’s heritage, gender and age.

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How is this area of science used to solve crime? Part 2

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It can, in some cases, also show their occupation.
Where foul play is suspected, the bones of an individual can offer more clues, as they retain certain stab wounds, bullet wounds and other signs of trauma.

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How is this area of science used to solve crime? Part 3

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While most cases that forensic anthropologists work on are homicides, they are also called to other situations such as mass disasters, suicides and wars. Missing person cases are often solved in these situations.

A forensic anthropologist spends most of their time working in a laboratory, where they clean the bones, and analyse evidence.

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How is this area of science used to solve crime? Part 4

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Though, they will often be called to the scene where the remains were found.

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How is this area of science used to solve crime? Part 5

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In the early 1970s forensic anthropology progressed from a peripheral activity to a recognized profession, though, the first forensic paper to be recognized was written by Thomas Dwight, and was a success in 1878. The paper was followed by a court case using these forensic studies.

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When was this area first used and how has it changed over time? Part 1

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George Dorsey was the first expert to receive a doctoral degree in anthropology by Harvard.

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When was this area first used and how has it changed over time? Part 2

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When Forensic anthropology was just a new profession, there was the Adolph Luetgert case. In this case, Adolph Luetgert was a prosperous sausage manufacturer and his business was beginning to fail.

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Give some examples of cases that relied on these techniques. Part 1a

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Luetgert had claimed that his wife had run off with another man, but the search of his business led to locating a foul smell at the bottom of a large vat. There, two of his wife’s rings, a corset stay, and several small bones were found, thus Luetgert was accused of killing his wife.

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Give some examples of cases that relied on these techniques. Part 2a

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Among the bones, rings and corset stay were other pieces of evidence.

This case acquired national recognition and for months, the sale of sausages had fallen due to rumors that some of Luetgert’s wife was mixed in with the product.

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Give some examples of cases that relied on these techniques. Part 3a

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Another case, though this one more modern. A man’s remains were buried without autopsy after a house fire because his death was deemed accidental. After looking at the case years later, new evidence had surfaced, suggesting that his death was no accidental, but that in fact it was a homicide.

In addition to numerous healed bone injuries, at least seven unhealed incisions could be identified. It would have taken a very large, sharp knife to completely slice through the bone.

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Give some examples of cases that relied on these techniques. Part 1b

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The cause of death found, was not the house fire that was originally suggested but was due to multiple cuts and stab wounds, mostly concentrated on the ribs. They showed no healing. The cuts did not occur post-mortem. Six of the lower ribs had been completely severed by a sharp, bladed instrument.

As a result of the autopsy’s findings and related criminal investigations in this case, a suspect was brought to trial and found guilty of murder and arson.

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Give some examples of cases that relied on these techniques. Part 2b

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Most forensic anthropology positions require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. in anthropology. Some universities offer specialized programs in forensic anthropology, but most institutions offer only generalized anthropology. Studying for this would cause you to spend eight to ten years in post-secondary education of some sort. To become a general laboratory technician, it only requires a bachelor’s degree.

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What type of qualifications do you need to work in this area? Part 1

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To be a forensic anthropologist you should have a strong background in chemistry, including organic chemistry and instrumental analysis, biology, including molecular biology and anatomy, criminology and physics. Students would also benefit from enrolling in biochemistry, clinical diagnosis, computer literacy and phycology.

Hands-on experience is suggested and can help you learn or practice the necessary laboratory and field skills for forensic anthropology. Many positions require at least three years of relevant casework.

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What type of qualifications do you need to work in this area? Part 2

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This typically would include forensic research publications.

There are very few full-time forensic anthropologists. About 80 to 90 percent of all forensic anthropologists are currently employed by either academic or research institutions. Some work for museums, while others teach or work for state government agencies. A very small number of forensic anthropologists have found work overseas with non-governmental organizations investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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What type of qualifications do you need to work in this area? Part 3