Human Identification: Methods And Challenges in Forensic Anthropology

Abstract

Abstract: The identification of human remains in forensic anthropology, especially in legal context, is of paramount importance and is achieved through the use of different available methods in the justice system as well as through a number of challenges. This study is made possible by many disciplines working together, namely osteology, anthropology and genetics,to determine the identity of the skeletal remains of a person. This includes, among others, theexamination of skeletal characteristics – age, the sex, ancestry and stature of an individual, and the more technical aspects like genetic profiling and isotopic indicator. In progress of all the inventions in this field and improvement in methodology some challenges still exist. Assessments are complicated by the presence of the particularly, the decomposed, burned or fragmented remains and ethical issues such as patient consent and the treatment of the body are further complications. In addition to this, the distinct skeletal characteristics prevalent in different populations may result in misidentification. In this abstract, we stress the importance of further studies and new implementation strategies dueto existing challenges in the identification processes in forensic anthropology to ensure that justice is able to reach the grieving families.