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This important new text contains the first collection of forensic anthropology case studies to be published from Europe. Forensic Anthropology: Case Studies From Europe aims to highlight recent developments in the discipline within Europe, and to allow comparisons to be made between work done in various European countries and the Americas. This book is comprehensive, with nineteen contributors providing case studies from recent work undertaken across twelve European countries, including three chapters covering the work of forensic anthropologists in cases that involve human rights issues in the Balkan region. The book not only highlights the history and development of forensic anthropology in Europe but also illustrates the diversity of work, the different academic backgrounds of those practicing in the field, and the different approach that they have towards the work that they undertake, making this book unique. In addition to covering the work undertaken in a number of European countries, the case studies presented cover a range of issues dealt with by forensic anthropologists from around the world including; stab wounds; blunt force trauma; gunshot wounds; dismemberment; burning; personal identification, including issues relating to the investigation of ancestry in European investigations; juvenile human remains; the work of forensic anthropologists in unsolved cases; and work undertaken to eliminate discoveries of human remains from police investigations. The final chapter of the book explores new developments in the field of forensic anthropology with gait analysis and facial recognition of a living individual based on analysis of CCTV footage. This book is primarily designed for students of forensic anthropology and those engaged in forensic anthropological work in various areas of the world. Each chapter contains clear up- to-date references and a full discussion of the techniques applied, which also make this book accessible for the nonspecialist reader.

Forensic archaeology has become a paramount tool with regard to the investigation of human rights abuses in recent times, by utilizing field techniques that provide a scientific means of searching, locating and recovering the victims of human rights abuses. By applying such techniques, human remains may be positively identified, thereby assisting survivors who are then able to lay their dead to rest and begin a process of closure after such tragic events have occurred. Additionally, the circumstances of the victim's demise will be accurately recorded, and in course this information will be duly presented in scientific terms to legal enforcing bodies, such as international criminal tribunals and domestic criminal courts. This book is unique in that it offers the reader a variety of topics and perspectives within one volume from contributors from across the globe, coming from a variety of diverse disciplines and experiences covering a broad spectrum that encompasses human rights investigations. It will also serve as a reference source for governmental agencies that are involved in conducting human rights investigations at various levels, including the provision of effective military assistance to those working in the field. Non-governmental organizations involved in human rights investigations will also find it to be an excellent reference that may be utilized in order for them to more effectively provide assistance in the areas of psychological, social, health, and humanitarian assistance in zones where civilians have been killed on a large scale. The book will be of interest to professionals in the fields of forensic pathology, international law, sociology, cultural anthropology, political science and biological sciences.