The central issued explored by this research is whether forensic anthropology can be characterized as being fundamentally different from academically-oriented biological anthropology. My view--and thesis statement--is that they are not two fundamentally-differing pursuits. While I recognize that important differences do exist between these fields, I argue that the differences are not sufficient to draw a stark line between academically-oriented biological anthropology and its medico-legal application. The principal source of data marshaled in support of this view is my dozen-plus years experience as a student. then practitioner, of forensic anthropology. One hundred forensic anthropology case reports of mine are utilized to illustrate an example of the product that forensic anthropologists routinely supply to medico-legal and governmental agencies. However, more important than this product are the processes behind the issuance of such reports. I argue that while the product may be different--a necessity because the intended audience certainly is--the conscientious forensic anthropologist employs the same analytical processes as when engaged in academic pursuits. Thus, it is my position that forensic anthropologists remain biological anthropologists while performing medico-legal services.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/282649 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Anderson, Bruce Edward, Anderson, Bruce Edward |
| Contributors | Birkby, Walter H. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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