Question

Note to instructors: This exercise can be supplemented or replaced with real or replica human bones. Comparative exemplars (such as an articulated or disarticulated skeleton) can also be used for reference if available.
Case scenario: You have received some skeletal remains from law enforcement for analysis, which they believe to be from a ho- micide victim. One of the first things you will need to determine is which bones are present, and from which side they originate. In addition, the identification of certain features will be needed for your examination.

Question
a. Were there certain bones for which siding and feature identification were more challenging? If so, which bones and why?

b. What issues may be involved in performing an inventory (particularly siding) based only on photographs?

Answer 1

Answer a:)

The difficulties arise in the determination of stature because it all depends upon the measurement of the height of the cranium, the anterior height of the 1st sacral vertebra, the total length of C2 to L5 vertebral column, bicondylar length of the femur, the height of the talus and calcaneus, and the length of the tibia. The approximation of living stature from incomplete remains is generally considered too incorrect and statistically unsuitable for forensic applications.

Answer b:)

The main difficulty arises is the study of hidden impacts, because the photographs if missed that or taken at far from the investigation site.