Bite Marks Precis (1960s)
Courtesy of Dr Iain Pretty who has hard copy available and may be contacted at iainbds@hotmail.com
- Fearnhead RW., (1960)
- Facilities for forensic odontology
Med Sci Law; 1:273-77
Describes the use of hand drawn acetate overlays. Draws the conclusion that "evidence which involves the identification of a person by tooth-marks left as bruises in flesh should never be admitted". Describes simple experiment. One of the first papers to question the use of bitemark evidence based upon the reliability of the technique. - Taylor DV., (1963)
- The law and the dentist.
Brit Dent J; 114:389
Written by a dual qualified dentist and lawyer. Describes all aspects of forensic dentistry, including bitemarks. States "..unlikely to establish convincing proof in most cases". - Layton JJ., (1966)
- Identification from a bitemark in cheese.
J Forensic Sci Soc; 6:76-80
A bitemark in cheese found at a crime scene. Control bitemark made in similar cheese by the suspect and twenty points of similarity are discussed. Suspect admitted guilt. States that BMs can never be as positive as fingerprints. - Harvey W, Butler O, Furness J, Laird R., (1966)
- The Biggar murder.
J Forensic Sci Soc; 8(4):157-219
Dental, medical, police and legal aspects of a case "in some ways unique, difficult and puzzling". Extensive case report detailing a Scottish murder in which bitemark evidence played a key role in the conviction of the defendant. - Furness J., (1968)
- A new method for the identification of teeth marks in cases of assault and homicide.
Br Dent J; 124(6):261-7
Paper describes the inking of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth which are then photographed and placed on white board. Lines of comparison are drawn with photographs of the injury. Technique is still used today for court exhibits depicting bitemark comparisons. - Furness J., (1969)
- Teeth marks and their significance in cases of homicide.
J Forensic Sci Soc; 9:126-75
Paper claims to differentiate between marks made in self-defence, those made sadistically and "love-nips". Unconvincing. Numerous case examples given. There is somewhat of a debate on the psychology of biting and the inferences that can be made about an attacker from the injury.