forensic anthropologist is an expert who applies the study of physical anthropology and human skeletons in a legal setting, usually in criminal cases. For instance, the manner and time of death for decomposed, burned or mutilated corpses.

A forensic anthropologist applies standard scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist in the detection of crime. Forensic anthropologists frequently work in conjunction with forensic pathologists, odontologists, and homicide investigators to identify a decedent, discover evidence of foul play, and/or the postmortem interval.