Bitemark Evidence. a Color Atlas and Text

DESCRIPTION

Experts in the field of bitemark evidence confront complexities ranging from the identification and collection of evidence, to microscopic analysis, to legal implications and courtroom admissibility. Now in its second edition, Bitemark Evidence reflects the knowledge, training, experience, opinions, and research of 27 authors from around the world to present an atlas with coverage from a range of disciplines. This comprehensive text details the protocols for photography, collection, preservation, and analysis of bitemarks and examines everything from the history of bitemark evidence, to diagnostic considerations, to expert witnesses and testimony.

Features

• Reflects the knowledge, training, experience, opinions, and research of 27 authors from around the world
• Covers everything from the history of bitemark evidence, to diagnostic considerations, to courtroom testimony
• Details the protocols for photography, collection, preservation, and analysis of bitemarks
• Discusses upcoming research and legal implications and ramifications
• Emphasizes diagnosis, communications, and cooperations among the different experts

New in the Second Edition:

• A historical perspective, beginning with the earliest known bitemark references from the Bible and the Kama Sutra, up to the modern development of forensic organizations around the world
• Updated chapter on digital photography
• Practical tips on forensic bitemark photography
• Processing and analysis of digital images for evidentiary purposes
• The rationale, use, materials, and methods employed for confocal laser microscopy (CLM) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• Current issues in bitemark analysis and research, emerging technologies, and recent developments
• Completely revamped section on research with hundreds of accompanying color photographs
• Experimental bitemarks and histology, with data on the microscopic examination of bitemarks on fresh and frozen piglet skin and the microscopic examination of human bitemarks
• Updated information on genotypic comparison of oral bacteria isolated from bitemarks and teeth
• Proper steps in forming a contract with an expert witness
• Erroneous bitemark opinions and wrongful convictions overturned by DNA evidence

Capturing the contemporary scientific understanding in the field and enhanced with more than 1,300 color photos, this atlas is the definitive guide to one of the most fascinating evidentiary domains in the forensic world.

Editor(s): Robert B.J. Dorion, Director of Forensic Dentistry, Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I: A Historical Perspective
History of Bitemark Evidence; D. R. Senn

Section II: Bitemark Recognition
The Role of Health Professionals in Diagnosing Patterned Injuries from Birth to Death; J. D. McDowell
Role of the Medical Examiner, Coroner, and Pathologist; J. H.Davis
The Team Approach in Bitemark Investigation; V. F. Delattre

Section III: Description of the Bitemark
The Nature of Bitemarks; M. L. Bernstein
Reconstructive Bitemark Analysis; M. L. Bernstein

Section IV: Collection of Bitemark Evidence
A: Noninvasive Analyses
Photography; G. S. Golden and F. D. Wright
Practical Tips in Forensic Bitemark Photography; L. Gagnon
Image Processing and Analysis for Evidentiary Purposes; W. R. Oliver
Bitemarks as Biological Evidence; D. Sweet O.C.
Bitemark Impressions; R. B. J. Dorion
Microscopy Techniques; P. J. Bush
Nonperishables and Perishables; R. B. J. Dorion

Section IV: Collection of Bitemark Evidence
B: Invasive Analyses
Tissue Specimens; R. B. J. Dorion
Histology and Timing of Injury; J. H.Davis

Section V: Bitemark Variables and Cases
Animal Bites; R. R. Souviron
Carnivore Bitemarks; R. B. J. Dorion
Human Bitemarks; R. B. J. Dorion
Patterns, Lesions, and Trauma-Mimicking Bitemarks; R. B. J. Dorion and R. R. Souviron

Section VI: Research
Current Context of Bitemark Analysis and Research; M. A. Bush and P. J. Bush
Research, Emerging Technologies, and Recent Developments; R. B. J. Dorion
Experimental Bitemarks and Histology; M. Houde
Genotypic Comparison of Bacterial DNA Recovered from Bitemarks and Teeth; G. R. Tompkins

Section VII: Collection of Evidence from the Suspect
The Suspect; L. T. Johnson

Section VIII: Methods of Comparison
Methods of Comparison; J. C. Dailey

Section IX: The Reports
Bitemark Report; M. L. Bernstein

Section X: Prevention and Contamination
Precautionary Measures; P. G. Stimson

Section XI: Legal Considerations and the Courtroom
Science and the Law; R. A. Mincer and H. H. Mincer
Case Law; R. E. Barsley
Contracting with the Expert Witness; R. D. Metcalf
Courtroom Aids in Bitemark Evidence; J. P. Kenney
Legal Liability of an Expert Witness; H. M. Pitluck
Wrongful Convictions and Erroneous Bitemark Opinions; I. A. Pretty and C. M. Bowers

Section XII: Contentious Issues
Reliability of Bitemark Analysis; I. A. Pretty
Resolving Issues in Bitemark Analysis; I. A. Pretty

Section XIII: Appendices
Appendix 1: ABFO Bitemark Analysis Guidelines—Outline
Appendix 2: ABFO Guidelines for Investigative and Final Bitemark Reports
Appendix 3: Bitemark Checklist—Bitemark Recipient
Appendix 4: Bitemark Checklist—Suspected Biter
Appendix 5: Sample Consent Form
Appendix 6: Dental Nomenclature

Index

Editorial Reviews

I salute Dr. Dorion and the many top-flight individuals involved in this effort for bringing together an awesome amount of information on an important subject in an organized fashion. The text Bitemark Evidence remains unchallenged in its field.

— Gerald L. Vale, DDS, MDS, MPH, JD, D-ABFO, Past president, American Board of Forensic Odontology; Distinguished Fellow, American Academy of Forensic Sciences