Forensic Anthropology
Etymology
| Forensic | Anthropology |
|---|---|
| Latin Word Forensis meaning “In Open Court” or “Public” | Greek word Anthropos means “Human” and Logia means “Study” |
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