NCJ Number
246845
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 665-670
Date Published
2014
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The use of third molars in predicting juvenile/adult status </_> 18 years has important legal ramifications.
Abstract
The use of third molars in predicting juvenile/adult status </_> 18 years has important legal ramifications. Third molar development was assessed using Kuhler's grading on 268 orthopantomograms of Indian subjects. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine allocation accuracy of juvenile/adult status and the level of probability that is reliable in predicting juvenile/adult status. Allocation accuracies ranged between 75.8% and 78.2% for the sexes combined, with minimal male-female differences. Adults were categorized more accurately than juveniles, suggesting that Kuhler's grading puts Indian juveniles at greater risk of unwarranted punishment. In both sexes, juvenile/adult status was reliably predicted when the probability was >80% using individual third molars excepting the lower right third molar in males; combining upper and lower third molars on the left/right sides, reliable predictions were possible when the probability was >80% and >90% for females and males, respectively. Overall, reliable juvenile/adult status prediction was achieved in c. 36% of subjects. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.