Abstract
The topic of taphonomy is discussed with a contemporary overview and focus on its application in a forensic context. The stages of decomposition are detailed with their characteristic biological and chemical changes highlighted. Some areas of environmental influence are addressed through deliberations on how they disrupt the “normal” decay process and examples include arrested decay such as mummification and adipocere formation. Also discussions are made on the differences observed with surface, subsurface, and aquatic depositions. The chapter presents a strong focus on the usefulness of taphonomic analysis in the determination of the time since death and considers the feasibility and application of some recommended methods such as accumulated degree days, cooling charts, soil chemistry, and total body scoring. The development of taphonomic research and requisite facilities is addressed with discourse on the ethics and legislation currently governing studies using human remains and the future of the discipline.
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