The use of Different Forensic Studies

The use of Different Forensic Studies

The criminology field has evolved over the years past years. Criminal investigations are currently being done on an advanced level, unlike how they were used to be done in the past. Although the methodology used to identify criminals seems to be the same, there have been innovations and addition of skills in identifying criminals, especially in crimes involving death cases.  The forensic science area is one particular area that has the sole responsibility of identifying criminals.

When it comes to identifying causes of death, criminology experts have continuously used knowledge of anthropology, entomology, and odontology. Besides, they apply this knowledge to identify a corpse. First ofall, it is crucial to understand the meaning of anthropology, entomology, and odontology.  Anthropology is the study of humans that involves all evolved aspects of humans, such as early hominids as well as primates such as chimpanzees.  IN this study, anthropologists examine human behaviors, cultures, societies, biological as well as their material remains (Christensen, Passalacqua, & Bartelink, n.d. 2019). However, it is a broad field that involves studying many things apart from the ones listed. Entomology, on the other hand, is the study of insects that includes many areas of the field.  Odontology is the study of teeth. In forensic science, it is called forensic odontology.

Forensic anthropologistappliestheir knowledgeto legal cases by concentrating on the human skeleton.  Criminology expertsanalyze skeletal, badly decomposed as well as unidentified human remains to identify or solve crimes.  In terms of identifying corpses, they can examine the age, sex as well as unique features of a body, hence estimating how long a corpse has been decaying (Christensen, Passalacqua, & Bartelink, n.d. 2019).  Forensic anthropologists collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies and other experts in other fields such as explosives, pathology, serology, and also that toxicology. In most cases, these experts are used as witnesses in murder trials..

Entomology is another field that is used in identifying the causes of death and corpse.  This field in criminology is called forensic entomology. It involves studying insects concerning crime scenes, especially death.  It is common and also seen in many cases, insects being attracted to dead bodies.  Moreover, they tend to lay eggs in a decomposing body.  Forensic entomologists use this method to study the insect population and to develop larval stages. Hence through this strategy, they can be able to estimate the postmortem index, a change in position of the dead body, and also the cause of death. (Hall & Brandt, pg. 14. 2012)  The insects which are found inside a dead body are the ones that help in identifying the time interval between death occurrence and corpse time discovery, earlier mentioned as postmortem index.  Blowflies are the most common types of flies that are found on a dead body since they are easily attracted to a decaying corpse.  According to forensic experts, provide the most accurate information.

Forensic odontologist also plays a role in identifying the causes of death and a corpse.  However, it is mostly used in determining the corpse, especially when a victim is of mass destruction such an accident to an extent where the body cannot be identified. Comparative dental identification is a widely used technique.  In most cases, a comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental records is also applied.  In death cases, forensic odontologist is called to witness an autopsy; they take photographs, cranial measurements, dental impressions as well as x rays from a dead body that has been massively destroyed.  A comparison is usually made with those who are missing. When a match can be seen, then it becomes easy to identify the body’s remains of a victim (Stamm & Carson, 2017).

In conclusion, the criminology field has evolved. Identification of crimes Is now easy, although characterized by its complexity. A broad range of knowledge is applied to ranging from anthropology, autopsy, entomology as well as odontology. Death cases are now easily identified and helping in criminal investigations to provide solutions. With the advancement in technology, criminal investigations are still in progress to advance.

Work Cited

Christensen, A. M., Passalacqua, N. V., & Bartelink, E. J. (2019). Forensic anthropology: current methods and practice. Academic Press.

Hall, M., & Brandt, A. (2012). Forensic entomology. Highlighting the best in science teaching and research.

Stamm, A. D. B. & Carson, M. C. P. (2017). Forensic odontology. In Manual of Forensic Science (pp. 135-158). CRC Press.