Fundamentals of forensic anthropology /

Klepinger (Univ. of Illinois) emphasizes the core knowledge essential for the practice of forensic anthropology and writes with advanced undergraduates and graduate students in mind. However, anyone familiar with human osteology and introductory statistics and interested in the applications of physical anthropology and bioarchaeology in forensic science also will find this book interesting and informative. The text emphasizes two major aspects of forensic anthropology: personal identification from skeletal remains and the field's role in medical-legal investigations. Part 1 introduces anthropology, its historical background, and requisite training for practitioners. Part 2 provides a survey and critical discussion of methods employed in forensic anthropology for personal identification of human skeletal remains. Part 3 discusses more specifically the role forensic anthropologists play in medical-legal investigations, and includes chapters on trauma, determining postmortem period, and the courtroom and the expert witness. A concluding chapter briefly introduces forensic genetics and DNA analysis. Klepinger's familiarity with both the academic and practical sides of forensic anthropology makes this work a valuable addition to the forensic science literature. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above. S. D. Stout Ohio State University