Forensics and Bite Marks

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the field of forensic odontology deals with the study of teeth and uses scientific research and analysis for application to the legal system. The writer points out that forensic odontologists use the unique pattern of bite marks, to retrieve and if possible cast a 3D impression, ultimately matching them to the suspect's teeth having the highest probability. The writer discusses that forensic odontologists play crucially important roles in identification of victims and suspects. Bite marks are being used more often as a means of recognition, but it must be done with restraint as our knowledge in this field is still far from complete. The writer concludes that as time moves forward, it is imminent that new technologies will narrow down the gap between bite mark analysis, and the more established methods such as fingerprints that have been predominating much of forensics.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Human Teeth in Forensic Odontology
A Brief History
Bite marks and Forensics
Dental Records
Bite mark Analysis
Application in Forensics
Bite mark Processing
Advantages and New Developments
Limitations
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The first time that teeth were used to identify bodies dates back to 1849, after a fire at the opera in Vienna. By the 1890s, there was a recorded case of a woman who was murdered close to the city of Paris. It was apparent that the woman had been strangled, knowing that strangulation victims sometimes manage to bite their attacker, the autopsy surgeon decoded to make impression casts of the victim's teeth. Approximately a week later a Frenchman was arrested and when the police noticed bitemarks on one of his hands, they decided the marks to the victim's dental cast, it was a perfect match.
"In a more amusing case, in 1903 Cumberland, a burglar broke into a home and during his looting he decided to help himself to a piece of cheese, he was later caught and convicted based on his teeth mark in the cheese."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Paul G.S., Curtis A.M., editors. Forensic Dentistry. Texas: CRC Press, 1997: 137-139. 12 March. 2007. Accessed from http://books.google.ca
• Ronald D.B. Forensic dentistry: An overview for the general dentist. General Dentistry 2005; 28:48-52.
• Robert B.J., editor. Bitemark Evidence. Texas: CRC Press 2004: 31-53. 12 February. 2007. Accessed from http://books.google.ca
• Discovery Crime & Forensics. Forensic Scientists. Discovery Communications Inc. 8 April. 2007 http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/crime/forensic_scientists/odontologist/index.shtml
• Gorea R.K., Jha M., Jasuja O.P., Vasudeva K., Aggarwal A.D. Marvelous Tools of Identification-Bite Marks. Ind Medica 2005; 5(2):144-145

More papers on Forensics and Bite Marks:

• Analytical Essay # 120791 : "Law and Evidence"
• Analytical Essay # 123774 : "Forecasting and Budgeting"
• Essay # 142434 : "Internal And External Design Validity Clinical Significance"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: