Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical/biological anthropology to the legal process. The identification of skeletal and other decomposed human remains is important for both legal and humanitarian reasons. Forensic anthropologists work to determine the age, sex, ancestry, stature, trauma, and unique features of a decedent from the skeleton.

Panama 's democratic history came to an abrupt halt in 1968 after a Coup d'Etat toppled President Arnulfo Arias ten days and eleven hours after his administration began. This Coup set in motion Panama 's twenty-one years of Military Dictatorship's that began with General Omar Torrijos (1968-1981) and continued with General Manuel Noriega (1981-1989). Forced disappearances, tortures and arbitrary execution of its victims, characterized the Military Regimes of the 1970's and 1980's.