Angi M. Christensen

The third edition of Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice presents modern approaches and analytic techniques in the field of forensic anthropology. The book introduces readers to the principles and application of forensic anthropology with an emphasis on the integration of osteological, odontological, and archaeological methods for analyzing skeletal remains. The book begins with the fundamentals of human osteology and odontology, then delves into examination and documentation methodologies, issues of medicolegal significance, and the nuances of forensic taphonomy. The text offers detailed insight into forensic archaeology, including scene processing methods and techniques specific to skeletal processing, resolving commingling, and preserving remains. Analytical methods for the estimation of sex, population affinity, age, and stature; individual skeletal variation; and analysis of skeletal trauma are also introduced. The book also addresses personal identification processes in forensic contexts and the role of forensic anthropology in humanitarian and human rights investigations. The third edition features updates to approaches and practices throughout, as well as updated and expanded case studies in each chapter that reflect real-world practice. Forensic Anthropology is well suited for courses and programs in forensic anthropology, forensic science, and biological anthropology at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Designed to complement the third edition of Forensic Anthropology, this dynamic lab manual introduces students to forensic anthropology practice using current, validated, and accepted methods. Whereas the accompanying textbook provides in-depth topic coverage and literature review, Lab Manual for Forensic Anthropology emphasizes procedural information and concepts and offers students hands-on practice to facilitate deeper learning and understanding. The lab manual features 15 modules, which correspond to the 15 chapters in the related textbook. Each module begins with objectives and then provides students with a series of exercises meant to help them apply newly acquired knowledge from each topical area. All exercises are case-based and include a scenario to help students better understand the context of the case. Assessments allow students to reflect upon and test their knowledge, and a series of appendices equip readers with essential tools and information. The second edition of this lab manual better aligns with the content found within the textbook Forensic Anthropology. It is a comprehensive, practical, and relevant tool for students and aspiring practitioners in the discipline.

Forensic anthropology has seen a recent expansion in depth and scope as well as increased attention from the media and the legal system. This constantly evolving science requires a comprehensive introductory text that approaches forensic anthropology as a modern discipline, with attention to theory as well as recent advances in research, technology, and challenges in the field. Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice, 2nd edition approaches forensic anthropology using current practices and case studies drawn from the varied experiences, backgrounds, and practices of working forensic anthropologists. This text guides the reader through all aspects of human remains recovery and forensic anthropological analysis. It presents principles at a level that is appropriate for those new to the field, while at the same time incorporating evolutionary, biomechanical, and other theoretical foundations for the features and phenomena encountered in forensic anthropological casework. Attention is focused on the most recent and scientifically valid applications commonly employed by working forensic anthropologists. Readers will learn about innovative techniques in the discipline, and aspiring practitioners will be prepared by understanding the necessary background needed to work in the field today. Instructors and students will find Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice, 2nd edition comprehensive, practical, and relevant to the modern discipline of forensic anthropology.

A Laboratory Manual for Forensic Anthropology approaches forensic anthropology as a modern and well-developed science, and includes consideration of forensic anthropology within the broader forensic science community, with extensive use of case studies and recent research, technology and challenges that are applied in field and lab contexts. This book covers all practical aspects of forensic anthropology, from field recoveries, to lab analyses, emphasizing hands-on activities. Topics include human osteology and odontology, examination methods, medicolegal significance, scene processing methods, forensic taphonomy, skeletal processing and sampling, sex estimation, ancestry estimation, age estimation, stature estimation, skeletal variation, trauma analysis, and personal identification. Although some aspects are specific to the United States, the vast majority of the material is internationally-relevant and therefore suitable for forensic anthropology courses in other countries.