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Brief History of Forensic Anthropology

  • Overview of importance of historical context in understanding forensic anthropology.

  • Distinction between forensic anthropology and forensic sciences, emphasizing that the focus is more on the former.

  • Indication that forensic anthropology as a field is relatively new.

Four Time Periods of Forensic Anthropology

  • Conceptual metaphor likening the development of forensic anthropology to primordial ooze solidifying and becoming trusted over time.

Formative Period (Before 1940s)

  • Timeframe extends to the 1800s with minimal academia or courses in forensic anthropology or sciences.

  • Very few publications and seminal literature available on forensic anthropology during this time.

  • Key figures:

    • Dentists & Anatomy Professors: Primary conductors of forensic work.

    • Geologists & Chemists: Involved in forensic sciences.

  • Parkman Murder Case (1849): Significant case marking a form of early formalization in forensic anthropology leading to a medical-legal merger.

  • Adolf Lutgert Case: Notable for involving an anthropologist in analyzing bone remains; testified in court, which contributed to shaping forensic anthropology.

  • Noteworthy Publication:

    • Dwight Thomas (1878): "The Identification of the Human Skeleton: A Medical Legal Study" - contributed to the relationship between skeletal analysis and the legal system.

  • Wilton Kroghman: Referred to as the "Bone Doctor." Published a guide in the 1960s-70s for the FBI - “A Guide to the Identification of Human Skeletal Materials.”

Consolidation Professional Period (1940s - 1970s)

  • Marked increase in forensic anthropology publications; period of consolidation in the field.

  • Influencing Wars:

    • World War I, II, Korean War, Vietnam War created a pressing need for forensic anthropology leading to the formation of recovery and identification agencies.

  • Formation of Central Identification Lab in Thailand: Transitions into current JPAC and DPAA.

  • Professional Era Initiation (1970s): Establishment of forensic anthropology as a recognized section within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

  • Creation of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (1970s): Certifies professionals in the field.

    • Contains about 168 certified individuals, of which approximately 110 are still active.

Modern Period (1990s - Present)

  • Significant increase in public interest and media coverage of forensic anthropology.

  • Growth in academic programs

    • Establishment of graduate and doctoral programs in forensic anthropology, indicating maturity of the field.

  • Introduction of SWGANT (Scientific Working Group for Anthropology): A collaboration of FBI and Department of Defense to develop best practices within forensic anthropology.

  • Establishment of the Organization for Scientific Areas Committee in Forensic Sciences: Joint effort of Department of Justice and National Institute of Standards and Technology to set guidelines and standards across forensic disciplines.

Important Features and Terminology in Forensic Anthropology

  • Anatomical Position: Standing erect, facing observer, legs together, feet flat and forward, arms at side with palms facing forward.

  • Concept of Anatomical Terminology:

    • Importance of specificity when describing bone fractures or injuries.

  • Basic Anatomical Terms:

    • Superior/Inferior: Upward/downward positions in relation to the body.

    • Anterior/Posterior: Front/back position in regard to body.

    • Medial/Lateral: Toward the midline/away from the midline of the body.

    • Proximal/Distal: Closer to/further from the point of attachment.

    • Dorsal/Ventral: Top (back)/belly side.

    • Cranial/Caudal: Toward the skull/toward the tail.

    • Superficial/Deep: Closer to the surface/farther from surface.

Anatomical Planes

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into right and left parts.

    • Midsagittal Plane: Exact midline division.

  • Coronal Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior segments.

  • Transverse Plane: Upper and lower halves when the body is cut horizontally.

The Skeletal System

  • Definition: More than just bones; includes cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and joints as well.

  • Functions of the Skeletal System:

    • Support for body structure, protection of organs, storage of minerals, blood cell production (hematopoiesis).

  • 206 Bones: Reference to adult skeleton; components subject to variability in different contexts.

Types of Bones

  • Cortical Bone: Dense outer layer providing structural strength.

  • Trabecular Bone: Spongy inner layer involved in blood cell production and more vulnerable to decomposition in taphonomic context.

  • Distinct Layers: Periosteum (outer layer) and endosteum (inner layer) that protect and nourish bones.

Conclusion

  • Reiteration of the youth and growth potential of forensic anthropology as a field.

  • Reflection on the importance of understanding foundational terminology and concepts in applying forensic anthropology in real-world casework.