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Published byCameron Rodgers Modified over 9 years ago
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Application of dental science to the identification of human remains and bite marks using physical and biological evidence.
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Work with a range of medicolegal issues Identification of human remains is a central duty. ◦ Terrorist attacks ◦ natural disasters ◦ missing or unknown persons ◦ How would you categorize these types of cases?
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Participate in an autopsy ◦ - At local or state level by law enforcement ◦ - Coroner or Medical examiner
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Postmortem dental examination includes ◦ 1. charting dental and cranial features. ◦ 2. radiographic (X-RAY) documentation ◦ 3. application of findings to investigations by law enforcement.
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Information and evidence collected can be - used directly by law enforcement - added into a computer identification search program. Match known data to suspects - Requires a warrant Match to antemortem/postmortem records. - Records not always available. Physical evidence – bite marks, images / photographs, measurements / dimensions
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Physical evidence – ◦ bite marks ◦ images / photographs ◦ measurements / dimensions
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Biological evidence ◦ Missing teeth, major dental work (partials, bridges, extractions), crowded teeth. ◦ Trace samples of DNA Missing teeth Gaps in the bite Crooked teeth Braces also leave distinct marks. Chipped teeth leave jagged impressions of varying depth.
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Most prevalent in cases involving assault, rape, and homicide. Bite marks can appear on both the perpetrator and the victim. Often appear on/near arms, legs, breasts, and genital area.
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Teeth grow at a rate of 4 micrometers per day Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body ◦ Withstand 2000 degrees F (1093 deg C) ◦ Teeth may shrink but may be preserved using a lacquer.
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32 Adult Teeth ◦ Four Major Types – Incisors, Canines, Bicuspids (pre-molars), and Molars 20 Deciduous (Baby Teeth) What other type of evidence can be extracted from a tooth? Where is this evidence found?
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Movement of tongue and jaw. Location of bite on victim ◦ Clear impressions of both upper and lower teeth are uncommon. If victim is moving/struggling or in a prone position (unable to move). Movement/sagging of skin on deceased victims. ◦ Flesh is surgically removed from deceased and preserved in formalin (formaldehyde). Length of Time since of bite ◦ Bruising can appear after 4 hours and disappear within 36 hours (can distort actual impressions).
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http://bitemarks.org/tag/asfo/ http://bitemarks.org/tag/asfo/
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Not an exact science (Mistakes can be made). Often used as a last resort. Best when used in combination with DNA evidence in criminal investigations.
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The “C.S.I. Effect” occurs when jurors become overly impressed with forensic evidence. ◦ Difficult for them to be impartial during trial. ◦ Often due to the effects of mass-media programs. The Case of Roy Brown http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/weeki nreview/28santos.html?_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/weeki nreview/28santos.html?_r=0
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http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/ forensics/anthropology/3.html http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/ forensics/anthropology/3.html
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Write a summary for each of the two articles you receive. Paragraph Format, Complete Sentences. ◦ Spelling and Punctuation Count! Read the article first. Highlight or underline key points of each article. Write your summary. Include – ◦ What the article is about – people, places, overview Key elements and events Use of forensics Outcome of investigation – Impact on society
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WORK IN YOUR ASSIGNED CRIME TEAMS You must be able to make these identifications and comparisons for the TEST on Thursday DEC 11.
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