Advances in Fingerprint Technology.pdf

may look much like a period at the end of a sentence. The characteristics
in one print are compared with the characteristics in another print. When
the characteristics in both prints are observed to be the same and occupy
the same unit relationship, an identification has been effected.
Question: What are the basic factors in the use of fingerprints as a means
of identification? (Alternative: Why are fingerprints used as a means of
identification?)
The basic factors are that fingerprints are permanent and individually
unique: that is, the fingerprints of no two individuals are the same. Every
finger of every person bears a ridge arrangement that begins to form
during the twelfth week of gestation. Barring accidental or intentional
removal or destruction, this ridge arrangement is permanent for the life
of the individual and will endure until decomposition of the body after
death.
3. When listing membership(s) in professional associations in connection
with establishing expert qualifications, the witness must know
and be able to state requirements for membership and positive reasons
for being affiliated with these organizations. If the attainment of organizational
membership demands the passing of examinations and/or
successfully undergoing professional and ethical investigations, be able
to relate those requirements to the prosecutor and, ultimately, to the
court and jury. Membership is indeed reserved for qualified professionals
and not available to anyone simply for the payment of membership
dues. Reasons for being associated with such organizations
are that they provide the means by which forensic identification professionals
can stay abreast of technical, professional, and legal developments
within their discipline. This can be accomplished through
personal involvement with other professionals, attending educational
conferences, reading association journals and other publications, and
through participation in association-sponsored workshops and other
learning opportunities.
4. It is to the advantage of the prosecutor to have the expert’s complete
testimony presented. It will be most impressive to the jury to hear the
expert’s testimony; and if the outcome of the trial is appealed at a later
date, the testimony is then a matter of court record. Often, the defense
attorney will want to stipulate to the expert’s testimony. The stipulation
in all probability will be offered on the pretense of saving the court’s
time; it will in fact be offered so the jury will not have an opportunity
to hear the expert’s testimony. Although the stipulation is made in
open court, in the presence of the jury, it is often difficult for the jury