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S T E M I N C U R R E N T E V E N T S

Popular movies and TV shows such as Silence of the Lambs and Profiler have highlighted the work of forensic psychol- ogists. These experts are often asked to determine themental healthof anaccused criminal before that person stands trial.

What is a Forensic Psychologist?

While the forensic psychologist deals chiefly with the living, it is the job of the

forensic pathologist to study the dead and determine how they succumbed. A person can die suddenly, unexpectedly, violently, or suspiciously. The pathologist must pinpoint how, when, and where a person died. Most pathologists work as public officials, for governments, states, counties, towns, and cities. They are coroners or medical examiners. Others work privately and are paid a fee to investigate a death. Forensic anthropologists study decomposed human remains hoping to find clues relating to a person’s identity and death. Police also call upon the forensic anthropologist to determine whether a crime has occurred. A forensic dentist studies teeth as a means of identification. Criminalists are the men and women working in the laborato- ry comparing, identifying, and interpreting physical evidence taken from the crime scene. A forensic entomologist is perhaps the creepiest forensic job. He or she looks for clues by studying insects on, near, or inside, a corpse.