Analysis of bite mark evidence.

ABSTRACT

Bite mark analysis casework strives to connect a biter to the teeth pattern present on an object linked in some way to a crime or event. The general public and some law enforcement may consider any “bite mark” case they develop to be a certainty in the quest to identify the biter. The ability of skin to register sufficient detail of a biter’s teeth is highly variable. Bite mark casework indicates that many bite marks are not well defined in detail and posses distortion due to the physical nature of skin itself. The current opinion is that bite mark can be useful in including or excluding possible suspects and ability to identify only one person as the biter. In mortal combat situations, such as the violence associated with life and death struggles between assailants and victims, the teeth are often used as a weapon. It is well known that assailants in sexual attacks, including sexual homicide, rape and child sexual abuse, often bite their victims as an expression of dominance, rage and animalistic behaviour. The teeth are a significant component of our natural arsenal.