Team+4

Team 4 - FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY - Team members: Erin Hanes, Brian Artis, Lise Ehlinger, Fredis Delcid



To begin it is important that we define what forensic anthropology is. According to wikipedia.org, forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are in the advanced stages of decomposition. A forensic anthropologist can assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable. The adjective "forensic" refers to the application of this sub-field of science to a court of law ([]).

Here is a video from youtube.com that explains the role of a forensic anthropologist:

 Additionally, here is an article discussing what forensic anthropology is and why it is important.

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 * What Are the Qualifications to become a Forensic Anthropologist?**

Being a forensic anthropologist requires a great deal of educational preparation. A bachelor's degree in a subject such as Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, or Anthropology, as well as a graduate degree are required. Additionally, a doctorate in anthropology or human biology is preferred. You need a PhD and at least three years of experience in forensic anthropology when seeking board certification in the field.

Although you may be able to work in the field with fewer credentials, having the postgraduate education makes you a more attractive candidate. Most forensic anthropologists work at universities and serve as consultants to MEs and the courts.

Schooling is a major part in becoming a forensic anthropologist. The BS would take four years and a masters would take about two or three years. Additionally, your PhD can vary in years. Becoming a forensic anthropologist could take about eleven years just depending on the level of schooling. However, they are needed and very helpful in helping to identify difficult cases involving deceased individuals.

__**Work Cited:**__ Albert, A. (2004). //Forensic anthropology//. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation)Retrieved from []

Nowadays, forensic anthropology can be taken not only as a class, but can be a specific major or minor in many colleges and universities around the country. Here is a video from MSU where the students discuss the information that they are able to retrieve from bones and the things they have taken away from courses such as these.

media type="youtube" key="xiABozKmUOw" height="315" width="560"

Forensic anthropology is extremely popular nowadays due to show such as Bones and CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). However, we have learned plenty in our years as criminal justice students about the CSI effect and the trouble it causes when pertaining to courts, victims, their families, and juries. However, magazines such as //Forensic Magazine// are helping to get the truth about forensic science and forensic anthropology out into the world. Here is their website: [] Additionally, here is the ABOUT US from their page discussing their goals and successes as the leading magazine in the area of forensic science:

About Us
About Forensic Magazine®: Since 2004, Forensic Magazine® has been a multimedia resource for the most current and accurate information available on forensic-related technologies, products, industry trends, and solutions. The Forensic Magazine brand includes the [|forensicmag.com]website, a print and online [|Buyer's Guide], digital editions, [|electronic newsletter], [|webinars], [|videos,] and other products. Forensic has been hailed by industry experts as an authoritative, trusted publication. Our mission is to help forensics specialists keep current with today's demands, featuring valuable trade tips, invigorating articles, and more. Free subscriptions can be found at [|www.forensicmag.com/subscribe]. About Vicon Business Media, Inc.: [|Vicon Business Media, Inc.,]located in Amherst, NH, publishes [|ALN® Magazine], [|ALN World]™, [|Controlled Environments Magazine®], [|Forensic Magazine®], and [|DFI News™]. Vicon Business Media, Inc. has an established history of producing quality publications with excellent editorial and attractive advertising opportunities. The Vicon portfolio includes both print and electronic media with associated products including websites, digital editions, electronic newsletters, webinars, videos, and live conferences.

Here is a video posted on their website which you can also find on [|youtube.com] and cold cases and anthropology: media type="youtube" key="0_eDRyrikEc" height="315" width="420"

Is forensic anthropology always right and perfect? Well the truth is, no. There can be mistakes and mistakes can cause serious issues especially when relating to trials. However, forensic anthropology is a science and it isn't something to be treated lightly such as polygraph testing. It is more accurate than many of the other forms of science used in criminology and it has proven itself useful over the years. Unfortunately, one bad case or investigation can taint forensic anthropology with the media and subsequently, this information will most likely reach the public and give forensic anthropology a bad name. Here is an article that explains that sometimes forensic anthropology can make mistakes and sometimes these mistakes are detrimental:

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Additionally, here is a brief review of the field of forensic anthropology from a professor at Colorado State University. This review is quite long, but it is beyond informative and descriptive. It discusses everything from what forensic anthropology is, to how it is used, search and recovery to laboratory analysis and more. It is one of the best reviews I have found on forensic anthropology. It is extremely thorough and provides great insight into the importance of this career field. The review even continues by teaching the reader a lot about the process of examining bones and how to determine race, age, sex, and more by studying the bones. If you have an extra hour or so to spare, I would highly recommend reading through this review beginning to end. Especially if forensic anthropology is the direction you are headed in within your criminal justice career path.

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Forensic Anthropology Research Facility
Have you ever heard of a "body farm"? A place where there is a collection of bones all provided for research from dedicated forensic anthropologist. It was founded by Dr. William Bass in 1971 and is operated at the University Of Knoxville. The purpose of this forensic research facility, nicknamed "body farm," is to provide training and service with compassion. Bones offer amazing clues to the trained eye by using their techniques they can identify gender, ethnicity, age, illness, pregnancies, and even careers. Dr. WIlliam Bass [|Forensic Anthropolgy center Tennessee] media type="custom" key="20456100"

Anthropologist can help with:
- Finding small bones or bone fragments - Recover clothing & trace materials associated with bones. - Prevent damage of bones - Map the location of bones and maintain chain of custody



How to Identify the remains?
To figure out the age of the individual, the forensic anthropologist look at the bone length and bone fusion. The sex is determined by the difference in the pelvis, skull, and femur. The stature is determined by looking at the size of the bones. Lastly, the ancestry is discovered using the teeth and skull. media type="youtube" key="7RqgAm69Wlk" height="315" width="420"

Forensic Anthropologist Humor:




Forensic anthropologists frequently work in conjunction with forensic pathologists, odontologists, and homicide investigators to identify a decedent, discover evidence of foul play, and/or the postmortem interval. In addition to assisting in locating and recovering suspicious remains, forensic anthropologists work to suggest the age, sex, ancestry, stature, and unique features of a decedent from the skeleton.

All forensic anthropologists must follow a set of legal guidelines and procedures, with the first step being the determination of the origin of the remains, or more simply put - is it human? Following these procedures, they must determine:

1. Are the bones human? 2. How many individuals are represented? 3. How long ago did death occur? 4. What was the person's age at death? 5. What was the person's sex? 6. What was the person's race? 7. What was the person's height? 8. Are there any identifying characteristics such as old injuries, disease, or unusual features? 9. What was the cause of death? 10. What was the manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or unknown)? ([])


 * Proposed Bill: **

S. 132: Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act of 2011 A bill to establish an Office of Forensic Science and a Forensic Science Board, to strengthen and promote confidence in the criminal justice system by ensuring consistency and scientific validity in forensic testing, and for other purposes Full text: []

Overview: This is a bill that has been introduced and referred to a committee on January 25, 2011. It would still have to be reported by the committee, passed by both house and senate, and signed by the president, before being enacted. It is predicted to have a 3% pass rate. "The Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act will ensure that forensic science reform efforts are guided by scientists and experts with both criminal justice expertise and scientific independence by establishing oversight and advisory offices and committees that are facilitated and supported by the Department of Justice and the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST). The bill will also help ensure rigorous and consistent standards in the forensic science disciplines, including standards for the accreditation of forensic science laboratories and the certification of forensic science professionals working in laboratories that receive federal funding. It will seek to ensure that basic research is conducted to establish the validity and reliability of key forensic science disciplines." []

January 25 2011 "Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced legislation Tuesday to strengthen and improve the quality of forensic evidence routinely used in the criminal justice system. The legislation is aimed at ensuring that forensic evidence used in criminal cases is of the highest scientific integrity. Before the 111th Congress adjourned, Leahy announced his intention to introduce forensics reform legislation early this year."
 * Leahy Proposes Landmark Forensics Reform Legislation: **

What is your opinion on the matter? Would the field of forensic anthropology benefit from bill such as this?

Citation: S. 132--112th Congress: Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act of 2011. (2011). In GovTrack.us (database of federal legislation). Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s132 []


 * Current Events and News: **

Why are these resources helpful to you? These news articles go beyond what your average text book teaches you. These articles demonstrate what is going on here and now in our society. News articles are real life stories and accounts of what these professionals are recognized for and why. For some of you going into the field, it is important to understand the way the media will portray you as an anthropologist. The media can be a great tool for information, just as much as it can be a pile of lies. Being a professional in any field you are subject to scrutiny by media outlets and the community that relies on media for answers.

Below is a news story I found about forensic anthropology and I will provide a brief synopsis or summary of that article. This article represents a success in the forensic anthropology world, but just keep in mind that positive portrayal is not always the case. Hope you enjoy!

When forensic anthropology meets DNA Dateline MSNBC covered a story about remains that were found in a desert and had been (by way of forensic anthropology) linked to a missing woman.

Laura Fulgitini, forensic anthropologist, rebuilds the skull of 'Jane Doe.' She pieced the skull bones together, used clay to fill in the missing pieces and recreated teeth. (MSNBC Website)

Synopsis: In Maricopa County, Arizona, authorities discovered the remains of what was then referred to as "Jane Doe." According to MSNBC, "Under normal circumstances, authorities do not gather DNA from unidentified bodies and create DNA profiles of them when they have no clue who they might be. They usually wait until they have at least an inkling of who the body might be, and are able to get a known sample of the missing person’s DNA." Initially they didn't think they could do facial reconstruction due to pieces of Jane's facial bones being disfigured and distorted. Forensic artist, Detective Bob Powers was still eager to as least try. He pieced the bones together and used clay to construct the facial features. He recreated teeth and when he was through he created a sketch. Much to his surprise, the sketch actually matched a picture of a woman he recently saw on a missing persons flyer. Investigators now had enough suspicion to justify the expense of a DNA profile. To compare they gathered DNA from the missing California woman's relatives. Unfortunately there was NO match. This speed bump however did not close the case thanks to a little thing called CODIS! The DNA actually matched another person in the system!! CODIS, as you all know is a national DNA library or Combined DNA Index System. It turned out that former California resident Joy Risker’s DNA had been entered into CODIS by California authorities when she went missing. The DNA profile from the Arizona remains matched those of Risker's DNA in the CODIS system. There was a Match!!!

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