Abstract
The lack of scientific evidence supporting the analysis of human bite marks in skin and comparison with teeth is well-recognised. The enduring controversy surrounding bite mark analysis and comparison needs to be resolved in the interests of science and justice. The presentation of bite mark evidence in criminal cases in the United States of America provides an opportunity to study the challenges to the forensic techniques of analysis and comparison. Study of the current scientific evidence demonstrates that distortion and cognitive bias are significant factors in the analysis and comparison techniques. A rationale for the forensic analysis of human bite marks in skin and comparison with teeth is proposed based on the current evidence on distortion and cognitive bias. The limitations of the forensic techniques are highlighted.