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 (forensic) archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, humanitarian and human rights workers, forensic scientists, police officers, professionals working in 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), the Netherlands, and lectures in Forensic Archaeology, Human OsteoArchaeology and Taphonomy at several Dutch universities. He is currently (2015) Chair of the Forensic Archaeology Project Group within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
Nicholas Marquez-Grant is Course Director in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, UK. He is also a Research Fellow at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, UK. As a forensic practitioner, he has acted as an expert witness in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology.
Robert Janaway is a 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 (2015) Chair of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Forensic Archaeology Expert Panel.