Fingerprint Evidence Part I: Tracing Friction Ridges Through History

Abstract

This paper constitutes a substantive history of fingerprint evidence and how fingerprints became heralded as an infallible tool for investigators and attorneys. First, the paper will survey the history of fingerprint identification techniques and evidence. Second, is the examination of fingerprints themselves, as well as the tools used to analyze and compare fingerprints, questioning claims of both uniqueness and permanence.