ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1986
Page Count: 8

Analysis of Photographic Distortion in Bite Marks: A Report of the Bite Mark Guidelines Committee
Herschaft, EE
Professor of oral diagnosis and oral pathology, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine, SC

Vale, GL
Chief of forensic dentistry, Los Angeles County Medical Examiners' Office, CA

Sperber, ND
Chief forensic dentist, San Diego and Imperial Counties, CA

Rawson, RD
Dental director, Dental Hygiene Program, Clark County Community College, NV

Dowell, S
Forensic technician, Los Angeles County Medical Examiners' Office,

(Received 2 December 1985; accepted 4 March 1986)

Abstract

Some degree of distortion is found in all bite marks. That distortion can be caused by photographic methods of recording the mark, by the dynamics of the bite, or by artifaction. All types of distortion complicate the process of matching marks to dentition, thus making it important to understand the distortion and, if possible, correct or allow for it. A method of analyzing photographically distorted bite patterns is presented, future research directions are suggested, and evidence-gathering standards are stressed.

Keywords:
odontology, bite marks, photography, distortion, analysis and standards

Paper ID: JFS11904J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11904J
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