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Question of the Day Nov 11

Question of the Day Nov 11. Admissible evidence used in a court of law from bite marks can be found on A. the victim only B. the perpetrator only C. both the victim and the perpetrator D. Bite marks are inadmissible. AGENDA NOV 11.

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Question of the Day Nov 11

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  1. Question of the Day Nov 11 • Admissible evidence used in a court of law from bite marks can be found on • A. the victim only • B. the perpetrator only • C. both the victim and the perpetrator • D. Bite marks are inadmissible

  2. AGENDA NOV 11 • BIG Question: How can bite marks be used in a court of law? • 1. QotD • 2. Forensic Odontology • 3. STUDY GUIDES • 4. TEST on Wednesday NOV 13 – Entomology, Anthropology, Odontology • 5. HOMEWORK – STUDY!!! • ALL NOTES POSTED ON MY WEBPAGE

  3. FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

  4. Definition • Forensic Odontology is the application of dental science to the identification of unknown human remains and bite marks using both physical and biological evidence.

  5. Skills of a Forensic Odontologist • Work with a range of medicolegal issues • Identification of human remains is a central duty. • Terrorist attacks, natural disasters, missing or unknown persons, and criminal investigations. • May be requested to participate in an autopsy • - At local or state level by law enforcement, coroner, or medical examiner. • Postmortem dental examination includes • 1. charting dental and cranial features. • 2. radiographic (X-RAY) documentation • 3. application of findings to investigations by law enforcement.

  6. Uses of Evidence • Information and evidence collected can be - used directly by law enforcement - added into a computer identification search program. Match known data to suspects - Requires a warrant Match to antemortem/postmortem records. - Records not always available. • Physical evidence – bite marks, images / photographs, measurements

  7. Evidence • Biological evidence – physiology of suspect/victims • Missing teeth, major dental work (partials, bridges, extractions), crowded teeth. • Trace samples of DNA • Gap in the bite • Crooked teeth • Chipped teeth leave jagged impressions of varying depth. • Braces and partials also leave distinctive impressions.

  8. Bite Mark Analysis in Criminal Cases • Most prevalent in cases involving assault, rape, and homicide. • In these cases, bite marks can appear on both the perpetrator and the victim. • Marks will often appear on/near arms, legs, breasts, and genital area.

  9. Characteristics of Human Teeth • Teeth grow at a rate of 4 micrometers per day • Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body • Withstand 2000 degrees F (1093 deg C) • 32 Adult Teeth • Four Major Types – Incisors, Canines, Bicuspids (pre-molars), and Molars • 20 Deciduous (Baby Teeth)

  10. Factors that Influence Bite Mark Patterns • Movement of tongue and jaw. • Location of bite on victim • Clear impressions of both upper and lower teeth are uncommon. • If victim is moving/struggling or in a prone position (unable to move). • Movement/sagging of skin on deceased victims. • Flesh is surgically removed from deceased and preserved in formalin (formaldehyde). • Length of Time since of bite • Bruising can appear after 4 hours and disappear within 36 hours (can distort actual impressions).

  11. Bite Mark Controversy • Not an exact science (Mistakes can be made). • Often used as a last resort. • Best when used in combination with DNA evidence in criminal investigations. • The “C.S.I. Effect” occurs when jurors become overly impressed with forensic evidence. • Difficult for them to be impartial during trial. • Often due to the effects of mass-media programs. • The Case of Roy Brown • http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/weekinreview/28santos.html?_r=0

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