Definition

Forensic taphonomy is the study of human remains from the time of death until their recovery. It studies the processes of decomposition, preservation, and fossilization of human bodies in relation to criminal investigations.

The primary objective of Forensic taphonomy is:

• Estimation of Postmortem Interval (PMI) 
• Crime Scene Reconstruction

Legal Questions

• Time since death?
• What are the stages of decomposition?
• Impact of environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) on the decomposition process?
• Impact of weather conditions (rain, drought, etc.) on the state of the body?
• Does the body had been moved from its original location?
• There are any signs of disturbance or alteration to the body’s position?
• What types of insects are present, and at what stages of development?
• How does the presence of insect larvae helps in estimating the time of death?
• Are there any signs of trauma or other injuries visible on the bones?
• What is the likely sequence of events leading to the body’s current state?
• How do the remains’ condition and location correlate with other evidence at the crime scene?
• Are there signs of scavenger activity or animal interference with the remains?
• How have animals impacted the decomposition process?

Application

Assists in identifying decomposed, burned, or mutilated remains, and in the investigation of genocide and mass graves.

Definition

Forensic Biology is the application of principles and techniques of biological sciences in identification and investigation of biological evidence for legal proceedings.

Legal Questions

• What is the species of origin for an unknown biological sample?
• What is the origin of a biological stain or sample (e.g. blood, semen, saliva) found at a crime scene?
• Whose Blood was found at the crime scene?
• Can the victim be identified based on biological evidence?
• Did the biological evidence found on a weapon belong to the victim or culprit?
• Is there evidence of sexual assault based on biological samples?
• Are there biological traces indicating the presence of an unknown person at the crime scene?
• Can biological evidence link multiple crime scenes or suspects together?
• Can biological evidence refute or support an alibi presented by a suspect?
• Can biological evidence help determine the cause and manner of death?
• What is the identity of an unknown individual based on DNA evidence?
• What is the biological relationship between two individuals?
• Can plant, pollen, or diatom evidence link a suspect or victim to a particular location?

Application

In various cases such as Homicides, Sexual Assaults (includes rape, anal sodomy, oral sodomy and cunnilingus) , Hit and Run Case, Robbery, Assault, Missing Persons/Body Identification etc.

Definition

A specialised field of forensic science which deals with the systematic and scientific examination and study of human skeletal remains (decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognisable) in a legal context.

Legal Questions

• What was the Origin of remains (Human or Non-human)?
• Do the remains belong to a single individual or a group of persons?
• What age was the individual at the time of death?
• What was the sex of the individual? What was the person’s stature?
• What is the race of an individual or persons (in case of mass grave)?
• What was the cause of death?

Application

Assists in identifying decomposed, burned, or mutilated remains, and in the investigation of genocide and mass graves.

Identification Markers

Identification marker in forensic anthropology refers to a unique characteristic that can help to estimate age, sex, stature or distinguish race or origin of remains or individualisation of a person.

For example: Sub pubic angle:

• In male it is V shaped and small with sharp edges
• In Female it is U shaped , round and large