ABSTRACT
Definition of an Expert ................................................................................ 390 Qualifications of the Fingerprint Expert..................................................... 391 Knowledge of the Fingerprint Expert ......................................................... 391
Fingerprint History................................................................................ 391 Fingerprint Classification ...................................................................... 391 Latent Print Procedures......................................................................... 391 Scientific Publications............................................................................ 391
Evidence Examination .................................................................................. 392 Evidence Receipt Form .......................................................................... 392 Worksheet (Notes) ................................................................................. 392
Appearance and Clothing of Witness.......................................................... 393 Pretrial Conference with Prosecuting Attorney.......................................... 394 Pretrial Conference with Defense Attorney ................................................ 399 Charted Enlargements .................................................................................. 399 Courtroom Methodology: Direct Examination ......................................... 400
Swearing In............................................................................................. 400 Assuming the Witness Stand................................................................. 400 Courtroom Communication................................................................. 401 Credentials .............................................................................................. 401
Education/Training ......................................................................... 402 Work Experience ............................................................................. 402 Professional Recognition ................................................................ 402
Response to the Jury .............................................................................. 402 Pause Before Answering Questions ...................................................... 403 Modification of Response...................................................................... 403 Mannerisms of Speech........................................................................... 404 Comparisons in Court........................................................................... 404 Discussion of Case ................................................................................. 404 Courtroom Courtesy ............................................................................. 405
Courtroom Methodology: Cross-examination........................................... 405 Vulnerable Areas of Fingerprint Testimony ......................................... 405
Age of the Latent Print ................................................................... 405 Source of the Latent Print .............................................................. 406
Transcripts of Prior Testimony ............................................................. 406 Use of Books and Articles in Cross-examination................................ 406 Tactics of Defense Attorneys ................................................................. 407 Completion of Testimony...................................................................... 408
Conclusion..................................................................................................... 408 Glossary of Commonly Used Courtroom Terms....................................... 409 References ...................................................................................................... 412 Appendix ....................................................................................................... 413
Daubert Hearings, reviewed by Mr. Edward R. German.................... 413
The fingerprint expert is unique among forensic specialists. Because fingerprint science is objective and exact, conclusions reached by fingerprint experts are absolute and final. Acceptance of fingerprint experts did not spontaneously evolve; it was scientifically and painstakingly developed over the past 80 years through the diligent efforts of innumerable identification officers. They established a heritage of exactness in their fingerprint identifications that is now routinely accepted and relied upon in courts of law. The professional status of the fingerprint expert is well earned and demands preservation. It is a standard of excellence by which all who participate in the scientific area of fingerprint identification are judged. It is the authors’ hope that by studying this chapter, identification officers will further enhance their expertise as expert fingerprint witnesses and thereby stand ready to perform this vital service while at the same time maintaining and enhancing this priceless heritage.
