Of the many specialties that sometimes are used in forensic investigation, forensic anthropology is most often associated with the analysis of skeletonized human remains. Although this characterization is correct, it also is true that in recent years the range of cases on which forensic anthropologists consult has expanded dramatically. Unfortunately, forensic anthropology has become a popular topic for novels, TV programs, and even movies. While publicity sometimes can be helpful, the wrong kind of publicity can raise expectations beyond what the real specialist is able to deliver. Moreover, frequent publicity in the media about forensic anthropologists makes it appear that these specialists are more numerous than they really are.
