Forensic anthropology has become a booming discipline that enables the identification of bodies when they are in a degraded state. Its application is valuable in the broad forensic field, where no discipline or area of study is redundant, as nearly all sciences are called upon to collaborate in the investigation of violent deaths, whether homicides, suicides, or accidents. This discipline generates information that objectively and impartially contributes to the pursuit of truth through the use of technical and scientific evidence.
Forensic anthropology even extends to the identification of living individuals, often due to mass displacements and migrations. In general, its application involves multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams grounded in traditional and modern physical anthropology, which currently benefits from significant advancements in forensic genetics. Fingerprint analysis, odontology, and genetics are disciplines recognized by courts for establishing official identifications. These identifications are made through comparisons expressed in terms of high probability or certainty. Thus, forensic anthropology transforms clues into evidence that can be validated by authorities, turning them into useful proof for identifying individuals.
News related to this field frequently emerges, and depending on the country where events take place, organizational models may vary. More commonly, forensic medical examiners carry out these investigations as natural experts within the Justice Administration. However, there is a growing trend to incorporate specialists from other disciplines, generally trained in biology, much as forensic psychologists were once introduced for other essential applications within the justice system. Additionally, some Institutes of Legal Medicine maintain collaborative agreements with universities that develop these investigations, and scientific police units are increasingly incorporating specialists in this field who participate both at crime scenes and in laboratories.
All of this has been greatly amplified by advances in forensic genetics. Today, anthropologists and geneticists work closely together, and technology has become integral through highly specialized laboratories.
Furthermore, these professionals are required to hold proper accreditation, as there is a National Commission for the Forensic Use of DNA (CNUFADN) that regulates this competency following international standards set by organizations such as the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) and the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
In our reference, the Spanish Association of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology stands out, having developed specific protocols and hosting annual scientific meetings.
For all these reasons, forensic anthropology is on the rise and has become essential in complex situations that require this type of forensic expertise.
(Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash)
Health Specialist in Legal and Forensic Medicine