BITE MARK ANALYSIS IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE CRITICAL REVIEW

Bite mark analysis occupies a unique and contentious position within forensic science, representing both a historically signicant identication method and a cautionary tale about the need for scientic rigor in forensic disciplines. This comprehensive review traces the evolution of bite mark evidence from its ancient origins through its heyday in late 20th century criminal investigations to its current status as a heavily scrutinized methodology. We examine the anatomical foundations of bite mark analysis, classication systems, standardized protocols, and the growing body of research challenging its fundamental assumptions. While bite mark evidence played prominent roles in landmark cases like the Ted Bundy trial, modern forensic science has revealed signicant limitations in its reliability and validity. The review concludes with an evidence-based assessment of current best practices and future directions, emphasizing the need for either substantial methodological reform or replacement with more scientically validated techniques.