What Is Forensic Archaeology?

Forensic archaeology is a discipline that applies the methods and principles of traditional archaeology to a legal context. These techniques can help immensely in investigators' understanding of a crime scene: Evidence collected from human remains, weapons, drugs and other artifacts found at the scene often contribute to the resolution of a case.

Forensic archaeologists offer valuable insight to investigators of crime scenes. "L.A. Bank Robbery" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: colin.brown (Colin Brown) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Significance

Forensic archaeologists can retrieve evidence, like human remains or certain artifacts, from crime scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed. When forensic archaeology is used, investigators are able to get a more complete picture of criminal cases. For example, forensic archaeologists can determine the circumstances involved in a victim's death, verify witness testimony, and show how long the human remains have been at the scene. These valuable pieces of information can often make or break a case. (See Reference 1)

Methods

The methods used in forensic archaeology could be applied to just about any archaeological site. Forensic archaeologists must examine and document the site's stratigraphy, or soil layering, in order to identify any disturbances to the site. They also will retrieve any evidence, often using a sifting screen to find small artifacts or remains, as well as record the location of the evidence. Once evidence is recovered, the archaeologists will determine whether the evidence has been moved since its original placement at the site. Finally, archaeologists must limit any damage to remains during excavation and study. (See Reference 1)

Excavation Process

Archaeological evidence recovery at a crime scene follows some basic stages. First, a reference grid is created to organize the excavation and recovery of artifacts. Then, using archaeological tools and careful methods, debris is removed and the entire surface of the site's established grid is exposed. The excavation can then begin, usually with the use of small, precise tools. Evidence is collected methodically and data are recorded. Once the primary artifacts and remains have been removed from the site, a final cleanup is performed to seek out any remaining evidence. (See Reference 1)

Clandestine Remains

One of the forensic archaeologist's most important tasks is locating clandestine remains---that is, the remains of a missing person. The methods used in these situations are similar to those in a traditional archaeological survey. A search team will use good maps and photographs of the area and perform searches on foot, bringing in experts in remote sensing technology if necessary. Archaeologists will look for clues like disturbed soil, burnt areas or exposed remains. (See Reference 1) It can be extremely difficult to find clandestine remains. (See Reference 2)

Differences From Traditional Archaeology

Although forensic archaeology uses many of the same principles and methods used in regular archaeology, the two practices differ in some significant ways. First, forensic sites are much more recent and typically include the surface of the ground as part of the crime scene; ancient sites are usually buried completely and do not include the surface. Artifacts at forensic sites are often more delicate and perishable than at ancient sites. Forensic archaeologists are also much more likely to find hazardous materials, including dangerous weapons, at the site. Further, records collected by forensic archaeologists are even more vital than that those of traditional archaeologists, as the evidence and documentation recorded at a crime scene might be questioned in court. (See Reference 1)

References

• An Outline of Forensic Archeology
• Forensic archaeology and crime investigations