ABSTRACT
The role of forensic anthropology in domestic cases in the United States has expanded tremendously in the last two decades. Forensic anthropologists routinely assist law enforcement and medical examiners in the search and recovery of human remains, provide skeletal evidence of personal identity, estimate the postmortem interval, and interpret skeletal trauma. Forensic anthropologists and archaeologists can work in human rights and humanitarian and mass fatality, as well as in domestic contexts. Because most forensic anthropology practitioners work within their local jurisdiction they must have a clear understanding of the state and federal laws of their home country, particularly when they are involved in the investigation of a criminal ease. Moreover, the postconviction "life" of a case, especially a death penalty case, can involve lengthy appeals processes and require the attention of forensic experts for many years after a case was seemingly resolved by a conviction.
