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Planning the Archeological Recovery of Evidence From Recent Mass Graves

NCJ Number
107194
Journal
Forensic Science International Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 267-287
Author(s)
M Skinner
Date Published
1987
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Mass graves commonly contain hundreds of putrefying bodies, which bear evidence of torture and extrajudicial execution.
Abstract
These require careful excavation using archeological techniques to recover bodies for identification and to obtain associated evidence which document human rights abuses. In order to derive forensically defensible conclusions, exhumation of a mass grave may take weeks or months. Specialized protective suits and breathing apparatus will permit the investigating team to take the time required to retrieve even subtle evidence from repellant remains. Strategies for sampling tissues and bodies which reduce the magnitude of the recovery operation are described. (Publisher abstract)

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