Forensic Archaeology

This updated edition of a textbook universally hailed as an indispensable guide, is a complete introduction to the methods and means of forensic archaeology. Incorporating new advances in the field, new case studies, and charting the growth and development of the subject, Forensic Archaeology examines the four main fields of recovery, search, skeletal analysis and analytical science, and how the concepts and methods of traditional archaeology can by utilized within criminal investigations. The authors provide in-depth chapters that discuss: search and location the various constraints and issues posed by an increasingly complex legal environment the archaeology of individual and mass graves how the subject has evolved to include international investigations of human rights links with forensic anthropology forensic geophysical survey. This is an invaluable resource that will provide students, researchers, academics and the general reader alike with a fascinating introduction to this complex and crucial subject.

This book will present the most advanced research on forensic archaeology presented during the annual European meetings in the last 3 years. Thanks to the broad nature of the chapters presented, this book will show not only different approaches and different crime scenes around Europe, but also how every single European law enforcement has faced forensic investigations. This book shows forensic archaeology as practiced in this legal context, emerging and solidifying in many European countries, differing in some respects because of differences in legal systems but ultimately sharing common grounds. Differently from similar books, this will be not only a collection of research and case studies in which forensic practitioners demonstrate the extent and complexity of the various aspects of forensic archaeology, but also it will show the necessity of co-operation as a condition for any work in forensic archaeology among scientists of different disciplines and law enforcers.

The scope of this book is wide-ranging and includes methods of searching for and locating buried remains, their practical recovery, the decay of human and associated death scene materials, the analysis and identification.

This book presents the multidisciplinary field of forensic archaeology as complementary but distinct from forensic anthropology. By looking beyond basic excavation methods and skeletal analyses, this book presents the theoretical foundations of forensic archaeology, novel contexts and applications, and demonstrative case studies from practitioners active in the field. Many of the chapters present new approaches and methods not previously covered in other forensic archaeology books, some of which may be of direct use to those conducting criminal investigations.

The study of forensic evidence using archaeology is a new discipline which has rapidly gained importance, not only in archaeological studies but also in the investigation of real crimes. Archaeological evidence is increasingly presented in criminal cases and has helped to secure a number of convictions. Studies in Crime surveys methods of searching for and locating buried remains, their practical recovery, the decay of human and associated death scene materials, the analysis and identification of human remains including the use of DNA, and dating the time of death. The book contains essential information for forensic scientists, archaeologists, police officers, police surgeons, pathologists and lawyers. Studies in Crime will also be of interest to members of the public interested in the investigation of death by unnatural causes, both ancient and modern.

Forensic archaeology is mostly defined as the use of archaeological methods and principles within a legal context. However, such a definition only covers one aspect of forensic archaeology and misses the full potential this discipline has to offer. This volume is unique in that it contains 57 chapters from experienced forensic archaeological practitioners working in different countries, intergovernmental organisations or NGO’s. It shows that the practice of forensic archaeology varies worldwide as a result of diverse historical, educational, legal and judicial backgrounds. The chapters in this volume will be an invaluable reference to (forensic) archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, humanitarian and human rights workers, forensic scientists, police officers, professionals working in criminal justice systems and all other individuals who are interested in the potential forensic archaeology has to offer at scenes of crime or places of incident. This volume promotes the development of forensic archaeology worldwide. In addition, it proposes an interpretative framework that is grounded in archaeological theory and methodology, integrating affiliated behavioural and forensic sciences.

With contributions from 70 experienced practitioners from around the world, this second edition of the authoritative Handbook of Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology provides a solid foundation in both the practical and ethical components of forensic work. The book weaves together the discipline’s historical development; current field methods for analyzing crime, natural disasters, and human atrocities; an array of laboratory techniques; key case studies involving legal, professional, and ethical issues; and ideas about the future of forensic work--all from a global perspective. This fully revised second edition expands the geographic representation of the first edition by including chapters from practitioners in South Africa and Colombia, and adds exciting new chapters on the International Commission on Missing Persons and on forensic work being done to identify victims of the Battle of Fromelles during World War I. The Handbook of Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology provides an updated perspective of the disciplines of forensic archaeology and anthropology.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods of forensic archaeology, and particularly to the the main areas of recovery, search, skeletal analysis and analytical science, where archaeology can play a major part in criminal cases.