The Forensic Anthropology Report: A Proposed Format Based on the National Association of Medical Examiners Performance StandardsP

Abstract

Following the release of the 2009 National Academy of Sciences Report, forensic practitioners have been reviewing or developing their best practices, especially with regard to methods used in evidence testing. Standardization of reports and terminology, although recommended in the NAS Report, has been less of a focus to date. Subsequently, the National Commission on Forensic Science has posted an initial draft under the heading “Report Content” that summarizes the basic information required in a forensic specialty service provider report (www.justice.gov/ncfs/work-products#report). As indicated, the draft document addresses content, not format. Herein, the authors propose a format for forensic anthropology reports submitted to medical examiners/coroners, that is based on the performance standards established by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) in 2005. Adopting such a format would provide greater uniformity and clarity across the many forensic disciplines involved in medicolegal death investigation.