Paper short abstract:

The professional standing of a forensic discipline is critical to the fair operation of a criminal justice system and this includes forensic anthropology.

Paper long abstract:

Forensic anthropology is a practitioner science and unlike many academic subjects that are clearly segregated into the two traditional pillars of learning & teaching and research, forensic anthropology is a triumvirate subject where active casework & court room presentation are of equal importance and relevance. In the light of recent European drives, Interpol initiatives and national accreditation templates, there is an appetite to promote cross border competency indicators for all subjects that provide their expert witness testimony to the courts. This paper examines the current situation in professionalization of forensic anthropology and considers how this is likely to evolve in the UK and Europe, thereby shaping the future of the discipline for both existing and trainee practitioners.