Forensic Anthropology

"Forensic anthropology is the scientific discipline that applies the methods of physical anthropology and archeology to the collection and analysis of legal evidence.  Description and identification of skeletonized human remains are standard work for forensic anthropologists, but the expertise of the forensic anthropologist is also applicable to a wide variety of other problems.  The common denominator is hard tissues:  bones, teeth, and sometimes cartilage"  (Burns 1999:3).

Therefore, in order to practice forensic anthropologist, one must first and foremost study physical anthropology, with an emphasis on skeletal biology, and secondarily, train in archaeology in order to assist in the search for and excavation of skeletal material.  A physical anthropologist may also be asked to examine a body that is badly or completely decomposed or burned. It is the job of the anthropologist to identify whether or not the bones are human, and if they are human, to develop a biological profile, which will aid in the identification of the person(s). A biological profile consists of the person's ancestry, sex, age at the time of death, and stature, as well as any trauma sustained to the skeleton that may aid in the identification of the individual, or give indications of cause or manner of death.