Identify the role of the forensic anthropologists involved. Was the forensic anthropologist used in recovery and analysis?

Anthropology final case study

Forensic anthropologists work on current criminal investigations and historical questions. For this assignment, the student will choose one modern forensic case and the forensic anthropologist who is/was associated with the case. The student will systematically identify the role of the forensic anthropologists in the recovery efforts, describe the laboratory techniques and analysis methods that the forensic anthropologist used to identify the victim(s) and the circumstances of their death. Students will conclude their assignment by discussing how and if this particular case made an impact on our understanding of forensic anthropology or forensic science. Students have complete creativity in this assignment and may choose any number of modern cases that interest them.

The important consideration is that the case be modern (for example: Casey Anthony murder trial, Amanda Knox murder trial, O.J. Simpson murder trial) or be an old case revisited by a modern forensic anthropologist (examining the remains of Francisco Pizzaro, or Czar Nicholas II).

Write a 6-8 page narrative that includes the following:1. Case background

a. Identify the specific case your final project will focus on.

b. Summarize the event. When and where did it occur? Who was the victim?

2. The role of the forensic anthropologist

a. Identify the forensic anthropologist involved in the case.

· There may be more than one, particularly if this is related to a criminal investigation

b. Identify the role of the forensic anthropologists involved. Was the forensic anthropologist used in recovery and analysis? Discuss their role in the case.

c. Discuss the forensic anthropologist’s findings

Recovery of remains: describe the findings (if applicable).

Individual identification: what material did they have? What were some of the methods that they used?

Antemortem analysis: what information was determined about the antemortem health or condition of the victim(s)? How did the forensic anthropologist determine this?

what information was determined about the time of death and cause of death? How did the forensic anthropologist determine this?

Novel methods or analysis: what novel methods or analyses did the forensic anthropologist use in this case (if applicable)?

3. Significance and ethics

a. What was the overarching significance of this case?

b. Did this case lead to new discoveries or technologies in forensic anthropology?

c. Was the forensic anthropologist’s report called into question? Was their testimony and/or report a more neutral piece of evidence in the case?