In the context of bitemark analysis, what does a 'Possible' finding indicate?

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In bitemark analysis, a 'Possible' finding indicates that the features observed in the bitemark show some level of similarity to those of the suspect's dentition, but not to a degree that allows for positive confirmation. Specifically, it suggests that while there might be some characteristics that align, such as tooth size or spacing, the condition of the injury—or other factors, such as distortion of the bite impression or limitations in visibility—prevents the analyst from concluding definitively that the suspect left the bitemark. This assessment reflects the inherent complexities in analyzing bitemarks, including variations caused by the victims' skin, the force of the bite, and the nature of the injury itself, all of which can hinder a decisive comparison. Consequently, a 'Possible' finding is an acknowledgment of potential association but lacks the confidence required for a stronger conclusion.

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