Ethics and Professionalism in Forensic Anthropology

Ethics and Professionalism in Forensic Anthropology serves as the first major discussion of ethics and professionalism within the field of forensic anthropology. While there have been some publications on ethics within forensic anthropology (e.g., Walsh-Haney and Lieberman 2005; France 2012; Passalacqua, Pilloud, and Gruters 2014), they are limited in scope and reach. This text serves as a general discussion on ethics, ethical guidelines, and how to act in an ethical and professional matter, while also including comprehensive discussions on topics that are seriously lacking in forensic anthropology. Finally, it sets the stage for further discussions on ethics and professionalism in forensic science.

While there are several volumes that deal with ethics in the forensic sciences in general (e.g., Barnett 2001; Bowen 2009; Upshaw Downs and Ranadive Swienton 2012), and one that deals with ethics in biological anthropology (Turner 2005), there is no volume that deals specifically with ethics in forensic anthropology. As the forensic sciences in general attempt to organize and professionalize their disciplines after the 2009 NAS report, discussions of ethics and qualifications within each subdiscipline are needed.

Asseses the need for professional ethicsCurrent ethical guidelines applicable to forensic anthropologists and their means of enforcementDifferent approaches to professionalism within the context of forensic anthropology, including issues of scientific integrity, qualifications, accreditation and quality assuranceThe use of human subjects and human remains in forensic anthropology researchEthical and legal issues surrounding forensic anthropological casework, including: analytical notes, case reports, peer review, incidental findings, and testimonyHarassment and discrimination in science, anthropology, and forensic anthropology

1. Introduction to Professionalism, Ethics, and Forensic Anthropology 2. The Need for Professional Ethics 3. Current Ethical Guidelines and a Theory of Ethics 4. Defining the Role of the Forensic Anthropologist 5. The Use of Human Subjects in Forensic Anthropology 6. Reporting and Testifying in Forensic Anthropology 7. Discrimination and Harassment in Forensic Anthropology 8. Looking Backward and Thinking Forward

Appendix A Acronyms Appendix B SWGAnth Guidelines Appendix C Websites of Ethical Codes (Accessed November 2017)