Document Detail


Problem-based analysis of bitemark misidentifications: the role of DNA.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16600549     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The dental literature concerning bitemark methodology is surprisingly thin and sorely lacking in rigorous scientific testing. Contra to this fact, the bitemark legal caselaw is surprisingly strong and is used as a substitute for reliability testing of bite mark identification. In short, the Judiciary and the Prosecutors have loved forensic odontologists. This paper will focus on the author's participation as a Defense expert over the last seven years in over 50 bitemark prosecutions and judicial appeals. This sampling will act as an anecdotal survey of actual bitemark evidence. Certain trends regarding methods and reliability issues of odontologists will be discussed. Several of these cases have been later judicially overturned due to DNA analyses after the defendants were originally convicted. These diagnostic misadventures are being vocally discussed in the US media by news and legal investigators who are asking hard questions. The forensic dentistry community, however, is curiously silent. What actions are necessary by the profession to improve this assault on the 52-year tradition of bite mark identifications in the United States?
Authors:
C Michael Bowers
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Legal Cases     Date:  2006-04-04
Journal Detail:
Title:  Forensic science international     Volume:  159 Suppl 1     ISSN:  0379-0738     ISO Abbreviation:  Forensic Sci. Int.     Publication Date:  2006 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2006-04-18     Completed Date:  2006-06-09     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7902034     Medline TA:  Forensic Sci Int     Country:  Ireland    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  S104-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, 2284 South Victoria Avenue, Suite 1-G, Ventura, CA 93003, USA. cmbowers@aol.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Bites, Human / pathology*
DNA / analysis*
Expert Testimony
Forensic Dentistry / legislation & jurisprudence*,  standards
Humans
Reproducibility of Results
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
9007-49-2/DNA

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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