Dental Evidence in Forensic Identification: Critical Analysis

Forensic dentistry is a vital part of forensic science which has many therapeutic aspects as a result of which it becomes extremely important. Bite mark analysis is one of the several aspects of forensic odontology, bite marks are a pattern that is produced by dentition of humans and animals and other associated structure that is capable of being marked. Bite mark analysis is very essential in the criminal justice system as it is present in many violent crimes like sexual assault, homicide, child abuse or attempted suicide. These marks are valuable in the determination of the age of the criminal and the type of physical abuse that has taken place. The review would highlight the importance of bite mark analysis as forensic evidence. The paper would emphasize the admissibility issues that are faced by bite mark evidence. The reasons behind the unreliability of bite mark analysis as forensic evidence for legal purposes would then be studied. Many research studies and surveys would be quoted for supporting its uncertainty as evidence. Bite marks as forensic evidence in an Indian perspective would be looked upon to understand the shortcomings that specifically Indian criminal legal system faces in the enforcement of bite mark as evidence. And then the paper would include some suggestions and conclusion which could improve the evidentiary value of the bite marks analysis