Archaeology

Abstract

Forensic archeology has emerged as an independent discipline over the past four decades. It can be defined as a scientific discipline that uses archeological theory and methodology in a legal context. It combines archeological, criminalistic and criminological knowledge to search, localize, document, retrieve and interpret the forensic record (i.e., the sum of all archeologically retrieved forensic evidence) at a crime scene or place of incident. In the United States, it has a pronounced anthropological bias, but in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, it is more concerned with detection, excavation, and field skills. Practitioners now have a well-tested suite of methods to draw on during search and recovery operations, many of which have been developed from associated disciplines. With increased awareness of forensic archeology by law enforcement professionals and increased involvement, standards and competency testing are being developed to align the discipline with other areas of forensic science.