Concepts to elucidate the pattern-associated analysis of tooth marks in court

Increased awareness by crime scene detectives has led to a rise in number of bite mark associated cases appearing before the South African courts. This has led to an increased number of dentists being subpoenaed to give forensic evidence. The purpose of this paper was to elucidate the presentation of evidence in pattern associated tooth mark analysis. Three aspects are discussed. They are the basic principle of pattern association, the effects of limited shrinkage and distortion on the pattern of the tooth marks, and finally how to overcome the difficulties that court personnel experience in visualising bite marks. The author has applied these basic concepts over the past six years. Judges and defence advocates have been able to understand the simple concepts and apply them to the more complex issues before them. The concepts described should be familiar to all dentists and forensic odontologists giving tooth mark evidence in the high court. They will assist in explaining all aspects of pattern association to the legal fraternity and aid in the presentation of the evidence. Their strength is in their simplicity.