Forensic Anthropology

Flashcards reviewing key concepts in Forensic Anthropology from a South African medicolegal perspective.

What is Forensic Anthropology?

Application of principles of physical anthropology to human remains of medico-legal interest, focusing on life, death, & post-death history reflected in bones.

Who uses Forensic Anthropologists?

Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), South African Police Service (SAPS), Building contractors & Archaeologists, Legal council, Missing Persons Task Team (TRC).

Why use Forensic Anthropologists?

To locate & recover remains, interpret scene & events at death, and provide identification.

What information can Forensic Anthropologists provide?

Whether remains are bone, human, or of forensic interest, identification of the person, and what happened to the person.

What are the 3 possible classifications when determining if something is 'Forensic or Not'?

Forensic (<60 years), Historical (±60 – few 100 years), Archaeological (many 100s of years).

What legal act applies if remains are classified as archaeological or historical?

National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999).

What legal act applies if remains are classified as forensic?

Inquest Act (58 of 1959).

What information is included in a biological profile?

Sex, Age, Population affinity, Stature, Individualising features.

What is an affidavit in medico-legal reporting?

Stand-alone document that includes: FA’s qualifications, Chain-of-custody info, Scientific references, and Oath Letter.

What is an appendix in forensic pathologist's report?

Includes: PMI information and Recommendations for further action.

What should scientific expert witness testimony include?

Testability & testing, Subject to peer review, Established standards, Known or potential error rate, Widespread acceptance by relevant scientific community.

What can you always expect from a scientific witness?

Transparency – experience & analysis, Explanation in lay terms, Visual aids, Detailed descriptions of identifying features and trauma.

What AREN'T Forensic Anthropologists able to determine?

Cause of death or manner of death.

What are common limitations for forensic anthropologists?

They usually only work with dry bone. It is important to understand Jargon and what sex vs gender. Also, what Race vs Ancestry vs Population affinity means.

What is important to understand about statistics and numbers of a forensic scientist?

Age & stature ranges, Postmortem interval, and accuracy/error rates depending on method.

What clues help in determining the number of individuals from remains?

Piece fragments together and compare sizes & preservation.