Use and usefulness of forensic archaeology and forensic anthropology in Great Britain
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Date
28/11/2014Author
Sinfield, Laura Nancy
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Abstract
This thesis explores the extent to which forensic archaeology and forensic
anthropology are utilised within Great Britain and to what extent they aid, or do not
aid, medico-legal investigation of death. Chapter One introduces the topic and
considers the need for an exploration of these issues.
In Chapter Two, the differences between the American and British situations are
examined and an explanation for the differences proposed, based on the development
of the academic ‘parent’ disciplines during the last century.
Chapter Three explores issues around accreditation and registration in the UK. The
role of the courts in maintaining standards of expert evidence is examined. National
and European schemes are considered.
After considering the practitioners in this way, Chapter Four looks at the methods,
and how the practitioners’ experience informs their choice of method. One specific
topic for each discipline is discussed in depth and the complexity of choice illustrated.
The difficulty in assessing the full scope for use of forensic archaeology and forensic
anthropology are detailed in Chapter Five, with the marked lack of available research
data. The problems inherent in media-derived data are considered. The scope for use
of the two disciplines is discussed and illustrated with examples from the Media
Derived Case List
In Chapter Six, a complex multiple-burial multiple-murder case is discussed; and
interviews across one police force area are discussed. These illustrate the use and
usefulness of forensic archaeology in practice.
Conclusions are drawn in Chapter Seven, and radical recommendations are made.
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