Decision Making

The degree of support that a specific CFS identification case can achieve must be in accordance with the quality and quantity of the materials (AM, jaw and skull photographs). In addition, there could be discriminatory characteristics that allow modification of the last degree of support by giving an adequate explanation in the report.

Table 2 presents some guidelines for choosing the most appropriate degree of support. Taking into account the materials examined and the anatomical consistency between the face and the skull, a final decision should be provided in terms of strong, moderate or limited support to the claim that the skull and the facial image belong to the same person or not.

Degree of support Requirements to be met
Strong
  • Complete cranium with corresponding mandible.
  • Sufficient dentition to evaluate occlusion.
  • At least two photographs in different poses of sufficient quality.
Moderate
  • One photograph of sufficient quality.
  • Sufficient part of the cranium with corresponding mandible.
  • Sufficient dentition to evaluate occlusion.
Limited
  • Insufficient dentition to evaluate occlusion.

  • Incomplete skull.
  • One photograph of sufficient quality.

  • Complete skull.
  • One por quality photograph.
Undetermined
Limited
  • Insufficient dentition to evaluate occlusion.

  • Incomplete skull.
  • One photograph of sufficient quality.

  • Complete skull.
  • One por quality photograph.
Moderate
  • One photograph of sufficient quality.
  • Sufficient part of the cranium with corresponding mandible.
  • Sufficient dentition to evaluate occlusion.
Strong
  • Complete cranium with corresponding mandible.
  • Sufficient dentition to evaluate occlusion.
  • At least two photographs in different poses of sufficient quality

Table 2. Degrees of decision in CFS. Requirements to classify in each grade.