7 Forensic Science Powerpoint Chapter 07 Forensic Anthropology

Chapter 7Chapter 7CRC Press: Forensic Science, James CRC Press: Forensic Science, James

and Nordby, 3rd Editionand Nordby, 3rd Edition 11

Forensic ScienceForensic ScienceAn Introduction to Scientific and An Introduction to Scientific and

Investigative TechniquesInvestigative Techniques

Stuart H. James and Jon J. NordbyStuart H. James and Jon J. Nordby

22Chapter 7Chapter 7CRC Press: Forensic Science, James CRC Press: Forensic Science, James

and Nordby, 3rd Editionand Nordby, 3rd Edition

Chapter 7Chapter 7

Forensic AnthropologyForensic Anthropology

Chapter Author: Marcella H. SorgChapter Author: Marcella H. Sorg

Presentation created by Greg Galardi, Peru, NebraskaPresentation created by Greg Galardi, Peru, Nebraska

Edited by Stuart H. James, Fort Lauderdale, Florida andEdited by Stuart H. James, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and

Dan Mabel, Richmond, VirginiaDan Mabel, Richmond, Virginia



What is Forensic What is Forensic Anthropology?Anthropology?

• Defined as the application of the theory Defined as the application of the theory and methods of anthropology to and methods of anthropology to forensic problems.forensic problems.

• Most forensic anthropologists have Most forensic anthropologists have been specialists in physical been specialists in physical anthropology, and particularly skeletal anthropology, and particularly skeletal biology.biology.



Forensic AnthropologistsForensic Anthropologists

• Primarily investigate death and injury Primarily investigate death and injury for criminal or civil legal purposes.for criminal or civil legal purposes.

• Forensic anthropologists knowledge of Forensic anthropologists knowledge of human skeleton complements forensic human skeleton complements forensic pathologists understanding of soft pathologists understanding of soft tissuetissue




Focus of forensic anthropology has been Focus of forensic anthropology has been expanded to include:expanded to include:

• Forensic taphonomy- interpretation of primarily Forensic taphonomy- interpretation of primarily outdoor death scenes and postmortem outdoor death scenes and postmortem processes processes

• Forensic archaeology – recovery of scattered Forensic archaeology – recovery of scattered remainsremains

• Extrapolation of soft tissue based on skeletal Extrapolation of soft tissue based on skeletal formform

• Biomechanical interpretation of sharp and Biomechanical interpretation of sharp and blunt force injuries, primarily to boneblunt force injuries, primarily to bone




Examination of human remains by Examination of human remains by forensic anthropologists focuses on forensic anthropologists focuses on three tasks:three tasks:

• Identifying the victim or at least providing Identifying the victim or at least providing a biological profile ( age, sex, stature, a biological profile ( age, sex, stature, ancestry, anomalies, pathology and ancestry, anomalies, pathology and individual features) continuedindividual features) continued




• Reconstructing postmortem period based Reconstructing postmortem period based on condition of the remains and recovery on condition of the remains and recovery contextcontext

• Providing data regarding death event, Providing data regarding death event, including evidence of traumaincluding evidence of trauma

• If anthropologist has participated in If anthropologist has participated in recovery, he or she will document recovery recovery, he or she will document recovery processes and forensic taphonomy of siteprocesses and forensic taphonomy of site



History of Forensic History of Forensic AnthropologyAnthropology

• W.M. Krogman published pivotal article on W.M. Krogman published pivotal article on skeletal remains in the FBI Bulletin in 1939skeletal remains in the FBI Bulletin in 1939

• During and after World War II and Korean During and after World War II and Korean War, forensic anthropologists became War, forensic anthropologists became involved in identification of war deadinvolved in identification of war dead

• 1972 Physical Anthropology Section of 1972 Physical Anthropology Section of American Academy of Forensic Sciences American Academy of Forensic Sciences was established – Board certification in 1977was established – Board certification in 1977



Physical Anthropology and Physical Anthropology and Human VariabilityHuman Variability

• Physical anthropologists study human Physical anthropologists study human physical variation and evolution in physical variation and evolution in relationship to behavioral patterns, including relationship to behavioral patterns, including cultureculture

• Skeletal size, dental, and soft tissue size are Skeletal size, dental, and soft tissue size are explainedexplained

• Explanations by physical anthropologist are Explanations by physical anthropologist are derived from a theoretical understanding of derived from a theoretical understanding of gene pool changes over time and spacegene pool changes over time and space



Physical Anthropology and Physical Anthropology and Human VariabilityHuman Variability

• Osteology and Odontology are both Osteology and Odontology are both specialized fields of study for physical specialized fields of study for physical anthropologistsanthropologists

• Osteology- detailed study of skeletal Osteology- detailed study of skeletal biologybiology

• Odontology – detailed study of dental Odontology – detailed study of dental biologybiology



TaphonomyTaphonomy

• Taphonomy- study of postmortem Taphonomy- study of postmortem changes in the body due to changes in the body due to environmentenvironment

• Changes to the body may include Changes to the body may include normal decomposition, movement or normal decomposition, movement or modification by flowing water, freezing, modification by flowing water, freezing, mummification or alteration or mummification or alteration or scattering of body parts by scavengersscattering of body parts by scavengers



ArchaeologyArchaeology

• Archaeology - the scientific study of Archaeology - the scientific study of fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments of past human life and activitiesof past human life and activities

• Archaeologists have a vast array of Archaeologists have a vast array of methods and techniques for recovering methods and techniques for recovering and interpreting material from prior and interpreting material from prior eventsevents




Methods of recovery may include:Methods of recovery may include:• Aerial or infrared photographyAerial or infrared photography• Ground penetrating radarGround penetrating radar• Metal detectorsMetal detectors

Precise mapping is required to Precise mapping is required to determine exact location of the body, or determine exact location of the body, or various parts thereof, and spatial various parts thereof, and spatial relationships of materialsrelationships of materials




• Location and determination of trace Location and determination of trace evidence is criticalevidence is critical

• Differentiation of primary and Differentiation of primary and secondary disturbances within a grave secondary disturbances within a grave is necessary to correctly reconstruct is necessary to correctly reconstruct the process of body placement the process of body placement

• Maintaining a chain of custody is Maintaining a chain of custody is criticalcritical



Scene ProcessingScene Processing

• Forensic physical anthropologist often Forensic physical anthropologist often participates in searches of human remains participates in searches of human remains by law enforcement or medical examinersby law enforcement or medical examiners

• Cadaver dogs, search and rescue teams or Cadaver dogs, search and rescue teams or divers may assist depending on needdivers may assist depending on need

• Forensic physical anthropologist generally Forensic physical anthropologist generally does on site identification of remains and does on site identification of remains and evaluationevaluation



Buried RemainsBuried Remains

• Processing a scene with buried Processing a scene with buried remains requires considerable effort remains requires considerable effort and expertiseand expertise

• Two perimeters need to be set:Two perimeters need to be set:• 11stst for immediate grave area for immediate grave area• 22ndnd for scatter area for scatter area




• Screening area convenient to grave Screening area convenient to grave should be set up for sifting through should be set up for sifting through material from gravematerial from grave

• Staging area for excavation is Staging area for excavation is completed to give leeway around gravecompleted to give leeway around grave

• Knowledge of position of body prior to Knowledge of position of body prior to excavation is helpfulexcavation is helpful

• Small tools ( trowels, brushes) should Small tools ( trowels, brushes) should be used. be used.




• As soon as they are exposed, any body parts As soon as they are exposed, any body parts or bones should be photographed or bones should be photographed

• All sediment from grave should be screened All sediment from grave should be screened to search for hair, bones, teeth, fragments or to search for hair, bones, teeth, fragments or other evidentiary materialother evidentiary material

• Water screening may be necessary in cases Water screening may be necessary in cases of muddy conditionsof muddy conditions

• Routine photographs of scene should be Routine photographs of scene should be taken periodically throughout processtaken periodically throughout process




• Entire area must be photographed before Entire area must be photographed before work startswork starts

• Area must be gridded to complete spatial Area must be gridded to complete spatial measurementsmeasurements

• Metal detector may be used and “hits” Metal detector may be used and “hits” flaggedflagged

• Examination for insects, larval or adult, Examination for insects, larval or adult, should be collected and preservedshould be collected and preserved

• Postmortem plants associated with body Postmortem plants associated with body should be collectedshould be collected




• Exposure of body or skeleton prior to Exposure of body or skeleton prior to removal from gravesite assists in removal from gravesite assists in investigationinvestigation

• Grave perimeter should be closely Grave perimeter should be closely inspected for footprints, tools, etcinspected for footprints, tools, etc

• Body or skeleton removed to body bagBody or skeleton removed to body bag• After removal, continued excavation After removal, continued excavation

and sifting/screening should be and sifting/screening should be completedcompleted



Examining RemainsExamining Remains

• Human and non-human bone and teeth Human and non-human bone and teeth identification is criticalidentification is critical

• Determination of whether bones Determination of whether bones constitute forensic evidence are constitute forensic evidence are importantimportant

• Native American, federal or state lands Native American, federal or state lands have specific handling requirements have specific handling requirements



Taphonomic AssessmentTaphonomic Assessment

First step in examination of human First step in examination of human remains is to perform a taphonomic remains is to perform a taphonomic assessment, which includes:assessment, which includes:

• Full inventory of areaFull inventory of area

• Evaluation of condition of remainsEvaluation of condition of remains

• Estimation of time since deathEstimation of time since death




Inventory includes:Inventory includes:

• Identification of and completeness of all Identification of and completeness of all skeletal elements foundskeletal elements found

• Whether skeletal remains are adult or Whether skeletal remains are adult or immatureimmature

• In the event of flesh remaining, x-rays and In the event of flesh remaining, x-rays and photography of element should be donephotography of element should be done




Condition of RemainsCondition of Remains

• Focuses on primary postmortem Focuses on primary postmortem processesprocesses

• Decomposition stageDecomposition stage• Evidence of scavenger modificationEvidence of scavenger modification• Insect life cycleInsect life cycle• Weathering Weathering • Modification by water, sand or geologyModification by water, sand or geology



Soft Tissue Examination and Soft Tissue Examination and ProcessingProcessing

After taphonomic documentation is After taphonomic documentation is complete, soft tissue examination may complete, soft tissue examination may be donebe done• Fingerprints examined for viabilityFingerprints examined for viability• Internal tissues and organsInternal tissues and organs• Bone formation centers in child victimsBone formation centers in child victims• Screening for small bones or artifactsScreening for small bones or artifacts• X-ray materialsX-ray materials



Issues in Developing a Biological Issues in Developing a Biological ProfileProfile

Anthropologists play a key role in Anthropologists play a key role in developing the profile. This includes:developing the profile. This includes:• Assessing skeleton for shape and sex, Assessing skeleton for shape and sex,

which allow estimate of age, sex and which allow estimate of age, sex and ancestryancestry

• Stature of victimStature of victim• Unique healed bone figures or distortions, Unique healed bone figures or distortions,

and dental configurations assist in and dental configurations assist in constructing profileconstructing profile



Issues in Developing a Biological Issues in Developing a Biological ProfileProfile

• Biological Profile assists law Biological Profile assists law enforcement in narrowing range of enforcement in narrowing range of possibility of victimpossibility of victim

• Prior statistical studies of segments of Prior statistical studies of segments of various populations are used to assist various populations are used to assist in identificationin identification

• Mixed or unusual ancestry of the victim Mixed or unusual ancestry of the victim complicate this problemcomplicate this problem



Issues in IdentificationIssues in Identification

• Circumstantial evidence – evidence Circumstantial evidence – evidence that requires investigator to infer that requires investigator to infer certain factscertain facts

• Most coroners or medical examiners Most coroners or medical examiners require positive identificationrequire positive identification

• Identification requires match of DNA, Identification requires match of DNA, fingerprints, dental records, x-rays, or fingerprints, dental records, x-rays, or unique apparatus, such as an artificial unique apparatus, such as an artificial jointjoint




• Congenital defects, evidence of Congenital defects, evidence of surgical procedure, or bony changes surgical procedure, or bony changes based on certain characteristics or based on certain characteristics or occupations all may assist in occupations all may assist in identification processidentification process

• Facial approximation is another Facial approximation is another identification aspectidentification aspect




Drawbacks to identification methods:Drawbacks to identification methods:• Many facial features are cartilage instead Many facial features are cartilage instead

of bone- limits facial approximationof bone- limits facial approximation• Presence of features of a specific ancestry Presence of features of a specific ancestry

may not be presentmay not be present• Average tissue thickness for will be Average tissue thickness for will be

underestimated for people with significant underestimated for people with significant fatfat

• Key descriptive elements- hair length, Key descriptive elements- hair length, facial hair, or glasses must be guessed facial hair, or glasses must be guessed



Estimating AgeEstimating Age

• Forensic physical anthropologist must be Forensic physical anthropologist must be familiar with size of skeletons at all agesfamiliar with size of skeletons at all ages

• Diaphyses- length of long bone shafts, may Diaphyses- length of long bone shafts, may be compared to published tables to assist in be compared to published tables to assist in age identificationage identification

• Epiphysis- two ends of bonesEpiphysis- two ends of bones• Timing of formation, growth and fusion of Timing of formation, growth and fusion of

diaphyses and epiphysis are patterned to diaphyses and epiphysis are patterned to create estimatecreate estimate



Estimating AgeEstimating Age

• Male and female skeletal developments Male and female skeletal developments differ. Females develop a little earlier.differ. Females develop a little earlier.

• Bone development sequences and timing Bone development sequences and timing differ from population to populationdiffer from population to population

• Bone development differs from person to Bone development differs from person to personperson

• Age estimates of skeletons should be termed Age estimates of skeletons should be termed in ranges and utilize all indicators presentin ranges and utilize all indicators present



Dental DevelopmentDental Development

• Teeth can be a determinant of age or Teeth can be a determinant of age or sexsex

• Tooth development differs by sex and Tooth development differs by sex and populationpopulation

• Asian and Native Americans commonly Asian and Native Americans commonly have a trait called shoveling, marginal have a trait called shoveling, marginal ridges, where anterior teeth are slightly ridges, where anterior teeth are slightly thicker around margins of tooth on thicker around margins of tooth on tongue (lingual) side tongue (lingual) side



Dental DevelopmentDental Development

• Reference standards are few for Reference standards are few for skeletons of children at various ages of skeletons of children at various ages of deathdeath

• Macroscopic and radiographic Macroscopic and radiographic standards differ in skeletal remainsstandards differ in skeletal remains

• Stages of epiphyseal union are Stages of epiphyseal union are different to the naked eye and under x-different to the naked eye and under x-rayray



Growth and Development in Growth and Development in Teens and Young AdultsTeens and Young Adults

• During teens and twenties, the During teens and twenties, the epiphyses of long bones undergo the epiphyses of long bones undergo the process of fusionprocess of fusion

• Rates of epiphyseal union are differentRates of epiphyseal union are different

• All sites of union should be evaluatedAll sites of union should be evaluated



Age- Related Patterns in Age- Related Patterns in AdulthoodAdulthood

• Bone density changes – bony skeleton Bone density changes – bony skeleton is not fixed until adulthoodis not fixed until adulthood

• Bone density generally reaches peak in Bone density generally reaches peak in twenties and declines in fortiestwenties and declines in forties

• Bone density depends upon age, Bone density depends upon age, hormonal status, exercise, weight, and hormonal status, exercise, weight, and nutritional intakenutritional intake




Bone density can be observed:Bone density can be observed:• MacroscopicallyMacroscopically• MicroscopicallyMicroscopically • Via photo absorptiometry ( bone Via photo absorptiometry ( bone

densitometry)densitometry)

Osteoarthritis – normally seen after the Osteoarthritis – normally seen after the age 40 in bones and may assist in age 40 in bones and may assist in estimate of ageestimate of age




Two of the most reliable indicators of Two of the most reliable indicators of adult age in Pelvic Joint Morphology adult age in Pelvic Joint Morphology are:are:• Pubic symphysis – measures surface Pubic symphysis – measures surface

changes in pubic bones and published changes in pubic bones and published standards existstandards exist

• Iliac auricular surface –measures joint Iliac auricular surface –measures joint surface changes to the auricular surfacesurface changes to the auricular surface

(where ilium connects to the sacrum) (where ilium connects to the sacrum)




• Sternal Rib Morphology – age related Sternal Rib Morphology – age related changes in morphology of sternal end of 4changes in morphology of sternal end of 4thth rib can be measured and compared to rib can be measured and compared to standards standards

• Ossification of hyaline cartilage- cartilage Ossification of hyaline cartilage- cartilage which connects ribs to the sternum turns which connects ribs to the sternum turns stony with age and can be considered a stony with age and can be considered a general indicator of agegeneral indicator of age

• Dental changes- changes to teeth can be Dental changes- changes to teeth can be measured, but age range estimate is 14 measured, but age range estimate is 14 years in most casesyears in most cases



Sexual DimorphismSexual Dimorphism

• Male and female Homo Sapiens differ Male and female Homo Sapiens differ by sizeby size

• DNA methods can produce accurate DNA methods can produce accurate determinate of sexdeterminate of sex

• Genotype – genetic Genotype – genetic • Phenotype- observed differencePhenotype- observed difference• Determination of biological sex of Determination of biological sex of

skeletal remains is an inexact scienceskeletal remains is an inexact science




Typically, the female pelvis hasTypically, the female pelvis has::• broader and increased depth of pelvic broader and increased depth of pelvic

inlet and outletinlet and outlet• Broad, shallow sciatic notchBroad, shallow sciatic notch• U-shaped sub pubic angleU-shaped sub pubic angle• Well developed ventral arcWell developed ventral arc• Raised auricular surfaceRaised auricular surface




Males tend to have:Males tend to have:• Larger skullLarger skull• Skull is more robust at areas of attachment Skull is more robust at areas of attachment

and on brows and ridgesand on brows and ridges• More right angled jawMore right angled jaw• Exhibits larger joint surfaces- mandibular Exhibits larger joint surfaces- mandibular

and occipital condoylesand occipital condoyles• Post cranial skeleton- below skull, on Post cranial skeleton- below skull, on

average, is larger than femalesaverage, is larger than females• Larger weight-bearing joint surfaces- hip Larger weight-bearing joint surfaces- hip




What can affect sexual dimorphism:What can affect sexual dimorphism:• Population affinityPopulation affinity• Nutritional statusNutritional status• Behavior-strength training, heavy chewing Behavior-strength training, heavy chewing

stressesstresses

No morphological indicator is infallibleNo morphological indicator is infallibleBest approach to assess skeletal Best approach to assess skeletal pattern is to review knowledge of pattern is to review knowledge of person or populationperson or population



Population AncestryPopulation Ancestry

• Homo Sapiens is a single speciesHomo Sapiens is a single species

• No absolute physical or genetic No absolute physical or genetic reproductive barriers between racesreproductive barriers between races

• Decisions about population boundaries Decisions about population boundaries are arbitrary and ultimately, fluidare arbitrary and ultimately, fluid




When an unidentified body is When an unidentified body is discovered, the forensic anthropologist discovered, the forensic anthropologist will:will:• Reduce possibilities of group- age, sex or Reduce possibilities of group- age, sex or

populationpopulation• Use statistics from databases to assist Use statistics from databases to assist

thorough research- unfortunately, all thorough research- unfortunately, all databases have limits based on skeletal databases have limits based on skeletal remains of people measuredremains of people measured




• Skeletal morphology is produced by Skeletal morphology is produced by genetic and non genetic factorsgenetic and non genetic factors

• Includes both metric (continuous and Includes both metric (continuous and measurable) and nonmetric (present to measurable) and nonmetric (present to absent traits)absent traits)




• Metric statistical methods require use Metric statistical methods require use of formula for discriminant functionof formula for discriminant function• Gill method assesses midfacial flatness Gill method assesses midfacial flatness

using a sinometerusing a sinometer

• Nonmetric traits – specific traits of Nonmetric traits – specific traits of Western European, Asian, or native Western European, Asian, or native American traits are assessed:American traits are assessed:• Nasal bridge is normally flatter on Native Nasal bridge is normally flatter on Native

Americans and AsiansAmericans and Asians



Estimated StatureEstimated Stature

• Stature is a fixed trait: accurate Stature is a fixed trait: accurate measurement of individual is in a rangemeasurement of individual is in a range

• Stature measurement is frequently Stature measurement is frequently done incorrectly:done incorrectly:• missing person reports include only an missing person reports include only an

estimate of heightestimate of height• Some men over-estimate heightSome men over-estimate height



Estimated StatureEstimated Stature

When a body is decomposed or skeletonized, When a body is decomposed or skeletonized, stature can be calculatedstature can be calculated

• If body is articulated, length can be measuredIf body is articulated, length can be measured

• If body is disarticulated, but head, spine, pelvis If body is disarticulated, but head, spine, pelvis and at least one leg are present, individual and at least one leg are present, individual bone heights can be measured and estimates bone heights can be measured and estimates made for vertebral disc thickness and total made for vertebral disc thickness and total staturestature



AllometryAllometry

• Allometry - the ability to estimate stature Allometry - the ability to estimate stature from long bone lengths depending on the from long bone lengths depending on the presence of patterned and proportional presence of patterned and proportional relationships between the sizes of body partsrelationships between the sizes of body parts

• Science is systematic but not exactScience is systematic but not exact• Measurements differ from population to Measurements differ from population to

populationpopulation• Osteometry- science of the measurement of Osteometry- science of the measurement of

bonesbones



Individuation and IdentificationIndividuation and Identification

• Individual characteristics of bones may Individual characteristics of bones may help narrow the number of possible help narrow the number of possible identitiesidentities

• Congenital anomaly, such as a spinal Congenital anomaly, such as a spinal column defect, is an example.column defect, is an example.

• Antemortem conditions, such as Antemortem conditions, such as presence of injuries, broken bones, etc presence of injuries, broken bones, etc may help in identificationmay help in identification



Individualization and Individualization and IdentificationIdentification

Handedness and Occupational stress Handedness and Occupational stress markers:markers:• Occupational stress markers are normally Occupational stress markers are normally

not straight forward enough to assist in not straight forward enough to assist in identificationidentification

• Right or left handed dominance may be Right or left handed dominance may be demonstrated through use-wear patternsdemonstrated through use-wear patterns



Levels of CertaintyLevels of Certainty

Three levels of certainty towards Three levels of certainty towards identification are:identification are:• Consistency – profile is consistent with Consistency – profile is consistent with

characteristics of a certain individualcharacteristics of a certain individual• Probability- often includes circumstantial Probability- often includes circumstantial

evidence, medical condition, ID cardevidence, medical condition, ID card• Certainty- beyond a shadow of a doubt – Certainty- beyond a shadow of a doubt –

fingerprint match, x- ray match, dental fingerprint match, x- ray match, dental match or DNA match match or DNA match



Perimortem Trauma and Perimortem Trauma and Evidence for Cause and Manner Evidence for Cause and Manner

of Deathof Death

Distinguishing between antemortem and Distinguishing between antemortem and perimortem injury with bones is very perimortem injury with bones is very difficult. An example where perimortem difficult. An example where perimortem trauma may be present is the observation trauma may be present is the observation of a broken bone showing no signs of of a broken bone showing no signs of healing- however, bones take several days healing- however, bones take several days to start the healing processto start the healing process




of Deathof Death

Blunt or Sharp Force Trauma to bones:Blunt or Sharp Force Trauma to bones:

• Blunt force trauma produces impact marks Blunt force trauma produces impact marks fractures and may fragmented bones, depending fractures and may fragmented bones, depending on item causing damageon item causing damage

• Sharp force trauma may produce cut or impact Sharp force trauma may produce cut or impact scars, depending on weaponscars, depending on weapon




of Deathof Death

• Gunshot wounds – special form of blunt Gunshot wounds – special form of blunt traumatrauma

• Gunshot wounds will create signature Gunshot wounds will create signature patterns in bones, particularly skullspatterns in bones, particularly skulls

• Frequently possible to determine order of Frequently possible to determine order of gunshot wounds by assessing fracture linesgunshot wounds by assessing fracture lines



Patterned InjuryPatterned Injury

• Forensic anthropologists look at Forensic anthropologists look at pattern of antemortem and postmortem pattern of antemortem and postmortem injuriesinjuries

• Necessary to rule out postmortem Necessary to rule out postmortem modification through microscopymodification through microscopy

• Equifinality- different agents of bone Equifinality- different agents of bone modification produce similar types of modification produce similar types of damagedamage



Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Anthropology and DocumentationDocumentation

Forensic Anthropologist is held to high Forensic Anthropologist is held to high standard of procedure and documentationstandard of procedure and documentation

Basic forensic anthropology report should Basic forensic anthropology report should contain:contain:• TaphonomyTaphonomy• Biological profile- age, sex, ancestry, stature, Biological profile- age, sex, ancestry, stature,

anomalies, and pathologyanomalies, and pathology• Individualization characteristics and Individualization characteristics and

interpretationinterpretation• Evidence of postmortem traumaEvidence of postmortem trauma



Expert Witness TestimonyExpert Witness Testimony

Forensic anthropologists are often called for Forensic anthropologists are often called for expert testimony. Requires:expert testimony. Requires:

• Upholding principle of scientific neutrality and Upholding principle of scientific neutrality and objectivityobjectivity

• Insuring scientific certainty reaches level of 90% Insuring scientific certainty reaches level of 90% or greater for determination of biological profileor greater for determination of biological profile

• Individual identification requires 99% or greaterIndividual identification requires 99% or greater• Probability is generally between 67 to 90 percentProbability is generally between 67 to 90 percent• Appropriateness of reference population as the Appropriateness of reference population as the

method and conclusions all may be challenged in method and conclusions all may be challenged in courtcourt

Technology

7 Forensic Science Powerpoint Chapter 07 Forensic Anthropology