Forensic Archaeology: A Global Perspective

Forensic archaeology is mostly defined as the use of archaeological methods and principles within a legal context. However, such a definition only covers one aspect of forensic archaeology and misses the full potential this discipline has to offer. This volume is unique in that it contains 57 chapters from experienced forensic archaeological practitioners working in different countries, intergovernmental organisations or NGO’s. It shows that the practice of forensic archaeology varies worldwide as a result of diverse historical, educational, legal and judicial backgrounds. The chapters in this volume will be an invaluable reference to archaeologists, humanitarian and human rights workers, forensic scientists, forensic practitioners, professionals working in the criminal justice systems and all other individuals who are interested in the potential forensic archaeology has to offer at scenes of crime or places of incident. This volume promotes the development of forensic archaeology worldwide. In addition, it proposes an interpretative framework that is grounded in archaeological theory and methodology, integrating affiliated behavioural and forensic sciences.

Mike Groen is a forensic archaeologist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) and lectures in Human Osteo–Archaeology and Taphonomy at several Dutch universities. He is currently (2014) Chair of the Forensic Archaeology Project Group within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).   Nicholas Márquez–Grant is Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology and Course Director in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Cranfield Defence and Security, Cranfield University, UK. He is also Research Associate of the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography at the University of Oxford, UK. Robert Janaway is Lecturer in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences and Course Director for Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation at Bradford University, UK. He has acted as a forensic archaeologist and has conducted research in forensic taphonomy for over 25 years and is currently (2014) Chair of the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) Forensic Archaeology Expert Panel.