Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains

Links have recently been established between the study of death assemblages by archaeologists and paleontologists (taphonomy) and the application of physical anthropology concepts to the medicolegal investigation of death (forensic anthropology). Forensic Taphonomy explains these links in a broad-based, multidisciplinary volume. It applies taphonomic models in modern forensic contexts and uses forensic cases to extend taphonomic theories. Review articles, case reports, and chapters on methodology round out this book's unique approach to forensic science.

Table of Contents:
Foreword, J.H. DavisPreface, G. HaynesINTRODUCTION: INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC TAPHONOMY, W.D. HAGLUND AND M.H. SORGTaphonomy in the Forensic ContextMethod and Theory of Taphonomic Research, W.D. Haglund and M.H. SorgContext Delicti: Archaeological Context in Forensic Work, D.D. Scott and M. ConnorThe Role of Archaeology in the Recovery and Interpretation of Human Remains from an Outdoor Forensic Setting, D.C. Dirkmaat and J.M. AdavasioChain of Custody from the Field to the Courtroom, J. Melbye and S.B. JimenezTaphonomic Applications in Forensic Anthropology, D.H. UbelakerMODIFICATIONS OF SOFT TISSUE, BONE, AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS: OVERVIEW, W.D. HAGLUND AND M.H. SORGChemical UnderpinningsChemical and Ultrastructural Aspects of Decomposition, H. Gill-KingPreservation and Recovery of DNA in Postmortem Specimens and Trace Samples, T.J. Parsons and V.W. WeednSoft TissueThe Process of Decomposition: A Model from the Arizona-Sonoran Desert, A. GallowayPostmortem Changes in Soft Tissue, M.A. Clark, M.B. Worrell, and J.E. PlessRecognition of Cemetery Remains in the Forensic Setting, H.E. Berryman, W.M. Bass, S.A. Symes, and O.T. SmithFrozen Environments and Soft Tissue Preservation, M.S. MicozziOutdoor Decomposition Rates in Tennessee, W.M. Bass, IIIBoneMicroscopic Structure of Bone, M. SchultzMicroscopic Investigation of Excavated Skeletal Remains: A Contribution to Paleopathology and Forensic Medicine, M. SchultzA Critical Evaluation of Bone Weathering as an Indication of Bone Assemblage Formation, L.R. Lyman and G.L. FoxEskimo Skeleton Taphonomy with Identification of Possible Polar Bear Victims, C.F. MerbsHuman Variables in the Postmortem Alteration of Human Bone: Examples from U.S. War Casualties, T.D. Holland, B.E. Anderson, and R.W. MannFire Modification of Bone: A Review of the Literature, P.M. Mayne CorreiaHuman Bone Mineral Densities and

About the Author :
Marcella H. Sorg, William D. Haglund

Review :
"The contents of this volume are certainly appealing to those studying and practicing forensic pathology, with suggestions for further study. … Forensic investigators will of course find this text of use in their 'forensic education'. … I would recommend that anyone studying forensic science courses read this book, and contemplate how the principles can be applied … ." - www.forensicmed.co.uk "The value of this book can be appreciated instantly simply by noting the names of the contributors. They are the leaders in their fields. The subjects are covered extensively, the discussions of actual cases are handled without undue "war storying," and the field of forensic taphonomy receives its first extensive and in-depth treatment. The volume will surely stand the test of time and will be a ready resource for a variety of professionals whose dealings are with the dead." -SCIENTIFIC SLEUTHING REVIEW "This book contains much information about taphonomic processes and the investigation of crime…details decomposition processes, animal and insect activity, and environmental changes." -C.M. Milroy, Reviews