The world of forensic science has progressed vastly during the past decades, and it could not have thrived without the life-changing invention of fingerprinting. In fact, fingerprinting has long been considered as the most simple and unique way of recognizing an individual. The key purpose of fingerprinting in the field of forensics across the globe is to provide forensic identification and evidence. However, at the moment, the scientific reliability and validity of the method, used for identification in forensic fingerprinting, has been challenged.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ways to retrieve fingerprint evidence
- Porous surfaces
- Nonporous Surfaces
- Human skin
- Chemical composition of latent fingerprints
- Reliability and Validity of Fingerprinting
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to provide a comprehensive overview of fingerprinting in forensic science. It explores various techniques for retrieving fingerprint evidence, discusses the chemical composition of latent fingerprints, and examines the reliability and validity of fingerprinting as a method of identification.
- Techniques for retrieving fingerprint evidence
- Chemical composition of latent fingerprints
- Reliability and validity of fingerprinting
- Types of fingerprint evidence
- Challenges in fingerprinting
Chapter Summaries
The introduction provides an overview of the importance of fingerprinting in forensics, highlighting its use as a method of identification. It also emphasizes the current debate surrounding the scientific reliability and validity of fingerprinting.
The chapter on "Ways to retrieve fingerprint evidence" discusses various techniques used to obtain fingerprints from different surfaces, including porous surfaces, non-porous surfaces, and human skin. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, including factors such as efficiency, accuracy, and potential limitations.
The chapter on "Chemical composition of latent fingerprints" delves into the chemical constituents of fingerprints, outlining the differences between oily and clean prints. It explains how the composition of sebum and eccrine sweat contribute to fingerprint residue.
The chapter on "Reliability and Validity of Fingerprinting" examines the historical and current perspectives on the reliability and validity of fingerprinting as a method of identification. It discusses the arguments for and against the use of fingerprinting as a reliable and valid source of evidence in forensic investigations.
Keywords
The primary keywords and focus topics of this text include forensic science, fingerprinting, latent fingerprints, fingerprint evidence, retrieval techniques, chemical composition, reliability, validity, identification, porous surfaces, nonporous surfaces, human skin, iodine fuming, ninhydrin, physical developer, powder technique, superglue fuming, sebum, eccrine sweat, and friction ridge examination.
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- Joe Wessh (Author), 2017, Forensic Fingerprinting, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/494063
