What is 'Forensic Genealogy'?

This term is appearing with increasing frequency in the genealogical literature.

Many of us have watched the TV series 'Bones', and 'CSI....', so we have some idea about the use of 'forensics' in the study of crime scenes.

But what how does the term relate to family history and genealogy?

Basic genealogy, at it's core, is the assembly of names and dates - dates of birth/baptism, marriage and death/burial, and the creation of lineages incorporating the names and dates. Rather basic stuff.

Family History, in it's broader sense, expands beyond mere genealogy, and begins to collect facts associated with a family. But it's still pretty much based on names and dates, often with place information incorporated. 

But sometimes, in some places, a genealogist or a family historian encounters the possibility of two or three, or even more, people with the same name, living possibly in the same general area, in about the same time period, who might be about the same age, maybe even with similar spouse's names. Using simple basic genealogical facts - names, dates and places, it's sometimes impossible to differentiate one of these people from another.

In my view, this is where 'Forensic Genealogy' comes in.

I consider that it's a process where all possible pieces of evidence about the life, times, relations, and acquaintances of those 'same-named' individuals are searched for, and assembled. Detailed and intricate personal records are developed, incorporating all known facts.

Following this approach, initially insurmountable problems differentiating two or more individuals - those with the same name, of about the same age, who lived in the same general area, at about the same time, can often be successfully resolved with supporting documentation, and the individuals can be differentiated.

The attributes of 'Forensic Genealogy' can also be applied more deeply to develop a greater understanding of a particular individual's life history, or of a particular family's history. Usually to great benefit and understanding of their place in the world [see The Process of Family Reconstruction for more on this theme].

More recently, something called broadly 'forensic genetic genealogy' or 'investigative genetic genealogy' is emerging, as police forces around the world begin to recognize the utility of DNA analysis and cousin matching. This is a different beast.

What does the term 'Forensic Genealogy' means to you? Do you have ideas around when and how the practice can be applied?