Forensic Archaeology, Forensic Taphonomy, and Outdoor Crime Scene Reconstruction in America: Personal Perspectives, 40 Years in the Making
摘要
This chapter presents a personal perspective on the evolution of forensic archaeology and forensic taphonomy in the United States over the last 40 years. Initially a niche application within forensic anthropology, forensic archaeology and taphonomy have transformed into essential components for reconstructing outdoor crime scenes. The authors highlight key historical developments, including the paradigm shift from a laboratory-focused discipline to one incorporating field-based outdoor scene processing. They discuss the integration of archaeological principles, taphonomic interpretations, and crime scene reconstruction methods to improve evidence recovery and analysis. Three case studies illustrate the growth and applications of forensic archaeology and taphonomy in diverse outdoor contexts.