NCJ Number
172001
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 792-795
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This literature review attempts to summarize the currently published information on bitemark aging.
Abstract
The aging of bitemarks through the subjective interpretation of visual signs has created an area of controversy in the forensic science community. The healing dynamics of these bite wounds has been insufficiently studied and is poorly understood. If the injury produced by a bite is sufficient, and healing is allowed to proceed, a bruise may result with time. The article discusses the visual aging of bruises, microscopic aging techniques, histologic aging techniques, enzyme histochemical methods, biochemical studies and immunological studies. The article concludes that, from the small number of studies either directly or indirectly related to the aging of bitemarks, forensic experts have very little scientific research to support opinions regarding the aging of bruises either visually or microscopically. Individuals who consider themselves "experts" in aging bitemarks are overstepping the bounds of their true abilities. Table, references