Bitemark Evidence

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. Robert B.J. Dorion,  Director of Forensic Dentistry, Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++