ABSTRACT
Forensic anthropology is the practical application of the theory and method of bioarchaeology, applied in a contemporary legal setting. The primary goals of forensic anthropologists are to identify victims of wars, disasters, and crimes, both to bring closure to families and to provide evidence for the prosecution of criminals, rather than to address anthropological questions. Important applications of forensic anthropology include disasters, terrorist attacks, extralegal killings, genocides, and homicides. Of particular importance to the United States is the recovery of war dead.
