A Review of osteological remains submitted for forensic examination in south Australia over a 7-year period (2013–2019)

Abstract

The files of the Pathology section of F Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA) Adelaide, Australia were examined over a seven-year period from January 2013 to December 2019 for all cases where skeletal remains had been submitted for assessment. There were 150 cases comprising 79 non-human (53%), 49 traditional Australian Aboriginal (33%) and 12 Coronial (8%). The remaining cases included anatomically prepared skeletal remains or other historic remains, and four cases which were subsequently determined to be non-osseous. The large number of domestic animal bones found reflects the agricultural nature of much of the state in addition to historical urban butchering practices. The next largest category was that of indigenous remains associated with the long history of Aboriginal occupation. Established protocols ensure that this culturally-sensitive skeletal material is passed on to the appropriate traditional community leaders. This study shows the unique range of skeletal materials that is currently being forensically assessed in South Australia and the varied medicolegal implications of each category.