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Corpses

Overview of Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropologists examine skeletal human remains to assess age at death, sex, stature, and ancestry; identify injuries; and estimate the time since death to provide investigators with information that can assist in identifying a decedent.

Forensic odontologists examine the development, anatomy, and any restorative dental corrections of the teeth, such as fillings or extractions, to make a comparative identification of a person.

Bones and teeth are...

Overview of Forensic Pathology

Human remains are treated as a separate and unique type of forensic evidence. An autopsy of the remains is conducted to establish the cause and manner of any death that is violent, unusual or untimely. A forensic pathologist completes a post-mortem examination and examine death scene findings. The medical history of an individual may also be reviewed to help determine if the death was natural...

Advancing Justice for the Missing and Unidentified Through Research - 2024 NIJ Research Conference

September 2024

Forensic science research is developing essential knowledge to fill in the holes in death investigations, creating new ways to identify challenging skeletal remains. These methods inform cause of death, time of death, and familial relationships to guide investigations, identify suspects, support prosecutions, and bring justice to families.