Lip Print: an Aid to Human Identification

Abstract

Among the various methods of identification, cheiloscopy is one of the most interesting emerging techniques. It is a method to establish the identity of a person based on the presence of grooves on the red part of human lips as various studies have revealed the unique nature of lip prints just like finger or footprints. Edmond Locard of France was the first to recommend the use of lip prints for individual identification. Since 1950, the Japanese has carried out extensive research in the matter. Lip prints at a scene of crime, apart from identification, may help to point as to the nature of crime, sex of the person involved, type of cosmetics used, habits or any pathological changes of lips. Credibility of lip prints as a human identification tool for evidential purposes is yet to be accepted by courts in India as literature reveals very little research done in this field. There is a need to review the various methods of recording and collection of the lip prints at the crime scene and also the means to develop the latent lip prints. This paper reviews in detail all the important aspects of cheiloscopy like its scope in crime investigation, limitations and current research carried out in this field.