Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Anthropology
by Tina Sharma
The History of Forensic Anthropology
The Castle of the Dead The Father of American Forensic
Anthropology
In the early 1800s, soldiers in Sangatte, France
discovered a mass grave consisting of mutilated In the early 20th century, Harvard professor
soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars. The Earnest Hooton became the first North
examination of these remains by medical American to specialize in forensic anthropology.
professionals is considered one of the earliest Hooton's research helped establish the field in
examples of forensic anthropology. the United States and was used to identify
remains from the Nuremberg Trials.
Modern Advancements
Advances in DNA and computer technology have allowed researchers to examine human remains in new
ways and have led to important breakthroughs in forensic anthropology.
The Role of Forensic Anthropologists
Forensic anthropologists are often asked to provide expert testimony in court cases,
particularly those involving unidentified human remains. They may also be called upon to
help identify the remains of missing persons.
Forensic anthropologists use visual examination to X-rays and CT scans can give forensic
identify any features on a bone that may provide anthropologists a closer look at the internal
information about the deceased. structure of a bone and any injuries that may be
present.
Microscopic Examination
1 2 3
Forensic anthropology played a crucial role in Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, forensic
solving the murder of British teenager Leanne anthropologists were involved in the
Tiernan. Her remains were found dismembered identification of remains found in the debris of
in a shallow grave, but forensic anthropologists the World Trade Center, as well as the
were able to identify the remains and provide identification of passengers on the hijacked
evidence that led to a conviction. planes.
Ethical Considerations in
Forensic Anthropology
1 Respect for the Dead 2 Consent and Privacy