This book discusses examples of crime scenes in the archaeological past, their detection and interpretation with the help of modern science; readers will find cases of historic and prehistoric ‘crimes scenes’ known from various contexts: (pre)historic (mass) graves, lethal violent acts related to warfare, ritual killings, or possible murder cases.

An essential supplement to a forensic anthropology text, this reader provides case studies that demonstrate innovative approaches and practical experiences in the field. The book provides both introductory and advanced students with a strong sense of the cases that forensic anthropologists become involved, along with their professional and ethical responsibilities, the scientific rigor required, and the multidisciplinary nature of the science. For courses in Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Science.

Forensic archaeology is mostly defined as the use ofarchaeological methods and principles within a legal context.However, such a definition only covers one aspect of forensicarchaeology and misses the full potential this discipline has tooffer. This volume is unique in that it contains 57 chapters fromexperienced forensic archaeological practitioners working indifferent countries, intergovernmental organisations orNGO’s. It shows that the practice of forensic archaeologyvaries worldwide as a result of diverse historical, educational,legal and judicial backgrounds. The chapters in this volume will bean invaluable reference to (forensic) archaeologists, forensicanthropologists, humanitarian and human rights workers, forensicscientists, police officers, professionals working in criminaljustice systems and all other individuals who are interested in thepotential forensic archaeology has to offer at scenes of crime orplaces of incident. This volume promotes the development offorensic archaeology worldwide. In addition, it proposes aninterpretative framework that is grounded in archaeological theoryand methodology, integrating affiliated behavioural and forensicsciences.

With contributions from 70 experienced practitioners from around the world, this second edition of the authoritative Handbook of Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology provides a solid foundation in both the practical and ethical components of forensic work. The book weaves together the discipline’s historical development; current field methods for analyzing crime, natural disasters, and human atrocities; an array of laboratory techniques; key case studies involving legal, professional, and ethical issues; and ideas about the future of forensic work--all from a global perspective. This fully revised second edition expands the geographic representation of the first edition by including chapters from practitioners in South Africa and Colombia, and adds exciting new chapters on the International Commission on Missing Persons and on forensic work being done to identify victims of the Battle of Fromelles during World War I. The Handbook of Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology provides an updated perspective of the disciplines of forensic archaeology and anthropology.

This book charts the development of forensic anthropology teams in Latin America and surveys their main characteristics, achievements, and challenges in light of a recent past fraught with state repression and violence. The volume contains contributions by an interdisciplinary group of scholars from several Latin American universities, with chapters on Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Guatemala, and Mexico. These countries’ shared legacy is a host of human rights violations that continue to have an impact on present day society. Following the move towards democracy and a public demand for truth and justice, the volume highlights the role of forensic anthropology teams and their contribution as a source of information for the historical narrative, as a legal asset in enforcing the right to truth, and in achieving reparation for victims. This collection will be of interest to scholars from Anthropology, Latin American Studies, Politics, and History.

Within modern forensic science and criminal investigation, experts face several challenges including managing huge amounts of data, handling miniscule pieces of evidence in a chaotic and complex environment, navigating traditional laboratory structures, and, sometimes, dealing with insufficient knowledge. These challenges must be overcome to avoid failure in investigation or miscarriage of justice. Technologies to Advance Automation in Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation provides a platform for researchers to present state-of-the-art technologies within forensic science and criminal investigation. Covering topics such as financial fraud, machine learning, and source camera identification, this book is an essential reference for criminal investigators, justice departments, law enforcement, legislators, computer scientists, automation professionals, researchers, academicians, and students and educators in higher education.

An objective guide to this fascinating science of history and culture Archaeology continually makes headlines--from recent discoveries like the frozen Copper-Age man in the Italian Alps to the newest dating of the first people in America at over 14,0000 years ago. Archaeology For Dummies offers a fascinating look at this intriguing field, taking readers on-site and revealing little-known details about some of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. It explores how archaeology attempts to uncover the lives of our ancestors, examining historical dig sites around the world and explaining theories about ancient human societies. The guide also offers helpful information for readers who want to participate in an excavation themselves, as well as tips for getting the best training and where to look for jobs.