In search of identity: The field of forensic anthropology in Brazil—Profession and practice

Abstract

Forensic anthropology has been gaining space and importance within the context of forensic sciences. However, significant differences should be noted regarding the development of this discipline around the world [1-5]. In the United States, the practice of forensic anthropology is probably the most regularized, organized, and professionalized [2]. In various European countries, as well as in South Africa, important steps are being undertaken in order to regularize this field, but significant divergencies persist [5]. In South America, as described by Baraybar and Blackwell [6], the development of forensic sciences had a different trajectory than in northern countries and represents a contrasting level of development. Most research efforts and analyses of the situation of forensic anthropology have focused mainly on Europe and the United States, leaving neglected or forgotten the countries of the so-called Global South. In South America, due to generational circumstances and long-term geopolitical situations, the rates of criminality and

The Current Status of Forensic Anthropology in Poland-Assessment of the Discipline

“…Considering the increasing importance of forensic opinion in the legal process, the existing situation should be urgently addressed by the relevant authorities. Regularization of the profession of forensic anthropologist on a worldwide scale has long been advocated by the international community of both professionals and academics [3,5,6]. In the Polish context, it would certainly constitute an important step in the direction of a controlled and planned development of this discipline.…”

“…A frequent lack of comparative material brings significant limitations to the process of positive identification of an unknown individual. This constitutes one of the most difficult challenges in the practice of forensic anthropology in various contexts [6,44]. In Poland, the legal requirement for the storage of medical documentation is established for a period of 20 years [45].…”

“…In the past years, the discipline of forensic anthropology has been gaining space and importance within the context of forensic sciences. Nevertheless, while this field is characterized by a highly unequal development pace with significant differences among countries [1][2][3][4][5][6], important steps are being undertaken in order to regularize this profession [5]. The highest level of organization, regularization, and professionalization of this discipline can be observed in the United States [2].…”

The Identified Osteological Collections of South America and Their Ethical Dimensions

“…The importance of the validation of international methods for local populations and the consequent improvement of identification efforts stand out as the major drives behind such efforts. The negligence presented by local governments in relation to the growth and consolidation of forensic anthropology, manifested by the lack of investment in training and adequate equipment and the functioning of specialized laboratories [97], together with the generalized lack of interest of foreign researchers in this region, hinders the development of a better understanding of the modus operandi of violence in these countries.…”

intrínseca relação entre as antropologias biológica e forense

“…Esta perspectiva justifica fortemente que a prática de antropologia forense não deve ser desconectada da formação em antropologia biológica, o que infelizmente acontece bastante frequentemente em várias regiões e, sobretudo, no que nos concerne, no contexto brasileiro. A escassez de opções formativas em antropologia biológica neste país 47,48 , junto como a legislação vigente que limita as possibilidades de emprego na área de antropologia forense apenas aos médicos e odontólogos, impossibilita que o vasto conhecimento da área da antropologia biológica seja devidamente empregado nas investigações da antropologia forense.…”