Lip Print Identification: Paradigm Case Argument, Lost Opportunities and “Anomalies” for the Construction of a New Paradigm

Gabriel M. Fonseca; Carlos Ramírez-Lagos; Jorge Ortiz-Contreras & Sandra López-Lázaro

Summary

Lip print analysis for criminal identification has been called Cheiloscopy, a specialty of forensic odontology based on the alleged uniqueness, durability and classification of labial groove patterns. Presently, there are two basic claims that seem to make reference to Cheiloscopy in the forensic world: While some cases have distinctly marked its design by establishing a dominant paradigm during the second half of the 20th century, others have questioned this particular specialty of Forensic Odontology in view of technical shortcomings or new legal standards. In light of failed cases under this form of evidence management, a reevaluation of the paradigms, and a better use of this potentially effective mechanism in criminal investigation are proposed.

KEY WORDS: forensic odontology, lip prints, criminal identification.

How to cite this article

FONSECA, G. M.; RAMÍREZ-LAGOS, C.; ORTIZCONTRERAS, J. & LÓPEZ-LÁZARO, S. Lip print identification: paradigm case argument, lost opportunities and "anomalies" for the construction of a new paradigm. Int. J. Odontostomat., 12(2):169-176, 2018.