Journal
Monday,Oct 26 2009, 06:54:11 PMArt Forensics #5:
Forensics and the Fingerprints of the Artist
by Dr. John Daab CFE, CFC, for Fine Art Registry®Read articles in the series here:
Art Forensics #1 - Introduction: Forensic Science under Attack by NAS
Art Forensics #2 - Forensic Science and Provenance Research: Questioned Documents
Art Forensics #3 - Handwriting Analysis
Art Forensics #4 - Forensic Linguistics
Introduction
Fingerprint match evidence is recognized by the legal system as one of the strongest elements in establishing the guilt or innocence of a person charged with a crime. If a person's print is on a piece of real evidence such as a gun, knife, or the steering wheel of a getaway car, it is generally accepted that the person was involved in the crime. The foundation for the forensic science of fingerprint analysis comes from its longevity of use without oppositional findings questioning its reliability. One hundred years without being proven false is accepted by the court system as the smoking gun in proving guilt or innocence. It is further bolstered by the belief that no two fingerprints are alike, and if a match is found, logic propels the conclusion that it could not be the case that someone else has a similar print and could be the guilty party. It has been noted that even identical twins do not have matching prints.
