Bitemark Identification Evidence Flashcards
What did the 2016 Texas Forensic Science Commission recommend about bitemark identification?
Should not be admitted in criminal trials.
What are some issues with bitemark analysis?
Skin changes over time, so will bitemark
Photographic distortions
Changes over time in suspect’s dentition
Subject to bias as an experience-based method
What did the PCAST report find about bitemark ID evidence’s foundational validity?
Far from meeting standardsW
What did the PCAST report find about the validity as applied of bitemark ID evidence?
Significant resources should not be devoted to further development
What is an exception to the general consensus of bitemark ID?
Person identification through dentition is a highly valuable tool.
Explain the case of Louise Reynolds.
Charged with killing her daughter Sharon
Police interviewed Sharon, telling her she killed her daughter
Police dismissed idea of a dog attack
Believed to have had 80 stab wounds
Dr. Charles Smith overstated his credentials in terms of how much experience he had with penetrating wounds
Body exhumed, second autopsy conducted
Wounds were dog bites. Blood of Sharon on dog collar.
How did R. v. Unger relate to bitemark evidence?
Wrongfully convicted based on hair microscopy. Later mtDNA excluded him as source of hairs.
3 bitemarks at original trial excluded him, hinting at later finding of innocence.
