Final Skeletal Report
100 points
The final skeletal report will present and summarize the results of the application of all the bone identification and methodological techniques you have learned during this course. Following completion of the osteological analysis of your assigned forensic case, you will communicate the results of your analysis in a report that will consist of an introduction to the case (including the circumstances of its discovery and recovery, when and who called you in as a consultant, and a summary of your results), a skeletal inventory, MNI, sex determination, age-at-death determination, stature estimation, race determination, cause and or manner of death, a description and interpretation of any pathologies and anomalies that may assist in a positive identification, and a bibliography listing all sources used during the analysis.
The final report should consist of all data sheets, including the following:
- Skeletal Summary Form
- Skeletal Inventory Form
- Determination of Sex
- Determination of Age
- Stature Determination
- Determination of Race
- Skeletal Pathologies and/or Anomalies
- Any necessary schematics to illustrate bones present/missing, trauma, anomalies
- Also submit a CD with photos of case.
The data sheets should be appended to a 3-5 page, typed summary report. This report should summarize the information from your data sheets; both your conclusions and how you arrived at them. For example, state the determined age and sex of the individual, as well as, the criteria used to determine sex and the method used to determine age. While writing your report, consider that the audience you are writing for are members of the medico-legal community (e.g. medical examiners, attorneys, law enforcement) and your report should be presented in a professional manner with no typographical errors. Remember, your report could become a document of the court and a "typo" could affect your success and legitimacy as a scientific expert.
Feel free to consult with your classmates regarding the application and results of the various techniques; this discussion goes on frequently between forensic consultants. The final report and conclusions, however, should be your own.
Review the report examples on Reserve in the library and in the envelopes outside my office.
Laboratory Assignment 1
25 points
In order to facilitate the completion of your final skeletal report, apply the techniques of age-at-death, sex, and stature determination on your chosen skeletal case and submit a draft of these segments. You should include in your draft all of the relevant data forms, a discussion of your findings and a bibliography.
Laboratory Assignment 2
25 points
In order to facilitate the completion of your final skeletal report in a timely manner, apply the techniques of race/population determination, pathology and/or skeletal anomalies observations, and determination of cause/manner of death to your chosen skeletal case and submit a written draft of these segments. You should include in your draft all of the relevant data forms, a discussion of your findings and a bibliography.