CRI 199: Personal Identification

Student Activity Sheet: Module #22

Name: ____________________________________________Class Number: ____________________

Section: __________________ Class Schedule: ___________ Date: __________________________

Lesson title: Fingerprint Identification and References:

Presentation of Evidence in Court 1. Ariel L. Ayusip; Jesiebel T. Ayusip and
Lesson Objectives: Dionesa R. Beraña- Handbook in Personal
At the end of the session, the student’s will be able to: Identification Techniques
2. Dr. Edwin Taganas Montalba-
a. Compare the two main methods used for Fingerprinting
fingerprint identification 3. Dr. Veneranda P Depayso – The Basics of
b. Explain the qualification or requirements in Fingerprint, Palmprint & FootPrint
presenting fingerprint evidence in court to be
admissible

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Today, our topic is all about fingerprint identification and presentation of evidence in court. In this
topic you will learn further how fingerprint examination results are being presented in court and when it
may be admissible as evidence in court. You will also learn who is the responsible person qualified to
present such fingerprint evidence or findings in court.

B. MAIN LESSON

Fingerprint Identification
Two prints must have the same general pattern in order to give a positive identification. They must
also have a certain number of common ridge characteristics. This number can vary depending on how
common the characteristics and how much of the print is available. There are two main methods that are
used for fingerprint identification.

● Minutiae- based techniques first find the minutiae points then map their relative
placement on the finger to match ridge characteristics.
● Correlation -based techniques are able to overcome some of the difficulties of the
minutiae -based approach. This technique requires the precise location of a registration
point and is affected by image translation and rotation.

Nature of Ridge Characteristics for Absolute identification

Fingerprints are compared to each other by examining the minutiae to determine whether:
● the same minutiae are present
● the minutiae flow in the same direction
● the minutiae occupy the same relative positions to each other.

Court Testimonies

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 CRI 199: Personal Identification

Student Activity Sheet: Module #22

Name: ____________________________________________Class Number: ____________________

Section: __________________ Class Schedule: ___________ Date: __________________________

In testifying to fingerprint identification, the expert often prepares charts to visually aid the court
and jury in understanding the nature of his testimony. Many times, it is difficult for the layman to perceive,
from a vocal explanation alone, the full importance of an expert’s testimony, due to its technical nature.
Consequently, some graphic representation of facts presented is amply justified and rewarded.
The preparation of charts is ultimately the sole responsibility of the expert using them. As a matter
of interest to law enforcement personnel engaged in fingerprinting work, a brief explanation of preparation
of such charts follows, along with suggestions and remarks based on extensive experience in these
matters.
To prepare a chart, it is necessary to have available, in addition to the ordinary photographic
developing and printing materials, a projection enlarger which will enlarge preferably at least fifteen
diameters. In the projection method of enlargement, the image is printed directly from the original
negative, so the preparation of an enlarged negative is unnecessary.

Who is an Expert?
An expert is generally defined as any person who is skilled in specific science, trade or occupation.
Because of this particular knowledge, the expert is qualified to analyze or compare a stated set of facts
and render an opinion based upon those facts. This opinion is permitted because of the expert’s
knowledge which the lay person generally does not possess.

Who is a Fingerprint Expert?

A fingerprint expert is a person who through experience, training, education has a complete
knowledge and skill in the science of fingerprints. And if called upon by courts to testify, can externalize
that knowledge and skill in a forceful manner, yet convincing and intelligent manner.

Qualification of fingerprint Expert

It is imperative that the expert be knowledgeable in all phases of fingerprint science, history,
classifications, latent procedures and scientific publications.

Fingerprint experts are also a latent print examiner and use their exceptional knowledge to analyze
finger-foot clues left at a crime scene.

The fingerprint expert offers an expert opinion, based on his training and experience and a
thorough examination of all details of the fingerprints, as whether there is a match or identification. They
may be called on to testify in court as a witness called as Expert Witness

This opinion will be one of the following

● there is a match between two fingerprints
● there is no match between two fingerprints or
● the comparison is inconclusive

Identical points necessary to be admitted as fingerprint evidence in court

1. when there are more than 12 evident points and the impression is clear, the identification is
absolute.

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 CRI 199: Personal Identification

Student Activity Sheet: Module #22

Name: ____________________________________________Class Number: ____________________

Section: __________________ Class Schedule: ___________ Date: __________________________

2. When there are between 8 and 12 evident points, identification certainly depends upon clearness
of the type and rarity of the type.
3. Presence of the core and delta of the part which is acceptable.

Does the fingerprint Evidence admissible as evidence in court?

● After all, fingerprints have been used as evidence in the US courtroom for nearly 100 years. They
have been considered the gold standard of forensic science and are widely thought to be an
especially powerful and indisputable form of evidence.

Admissibility of Fingerprint Testimony

Expert’s testimony as to the identity of thumb marks or fingerprints is admissible. The method of
identifying fingerprints is a science requiring close study. Where thumb impressions are blurred and
many of the characteristic marks far from clear, thus rendering it difficult to trace the features enumerated
by experts as showing the identity of the impressions, the court is justified in refusing to accept the opinion
that a distinct similarity in some respects between the admittedly genuine thumb mark and the questioned
thumb mark is evident.
This method of identification of persons has become a fixed part of our “SYSTEM OF
JURISPRUDENCE”. Proof of the accused found in the place where the crime was committed under such
circumstances that they could only have been impressed at the time when the crime was committed may
be sufficient proof of identity to sustain conviction.

Score: /10
Skill-building Activities.
Exercise 1. Let’s do it now! At this time discuss briefly the difference between the two main Techniques
that are used in fingerprint Identification.

Methods of Identification Discussion

1. Minutiae
based techniques first find the minutiae points then map their
relative placement on the finger to match ridge characteristics.

2. Correlation based techniques- this technique requires the precise location of a

registration
point and is affected by image translation and rotation.

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 CRI 199: Personal Identification

Student Activity Sheet: Module #22

Name: ____________________________________________Class Number: ____________________

Section: __________________ Class Schedule: ___________ Date: __________________________

Exercise 2: Score: /10

At this point, briefly discuss if when do we say that a person is considered as an expert witness.

Determining if a person is considered an expert witness hinges on their extensive knowledge and experience in a
__________________________________________________________________________________
particular field, as evaluated by the court based on factors like their education, job history, and specialized training,
__________________________________________________________________________________
but it's important to remember that being deemed an expert witness doesn't mean everything they say is
__________________________________________________________________________________
automatically accepted as true, as their opinions can still be challenged by the opposing side during legal
__________________________________________________________________________________
proceedings.
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Check for Understanding. Score: /12

Answer the following:
1. Fingerprints are compared to each other by examining the minutiae to determine whether:
A._______________
The same same minutiae are present
minutiae flow in the same direction
B.______________
C._______________
minutiae occupy the same relative positions to each other.

2. In examination of fingerprints, what are the identical points necessary to be admitted as fingerprint
evidence in court.
A. _________________
When there are more than 12 evident points and the impression is clear, the identification is absolute.
B. _________________
C. Presence
__________________ When there are between 8 and
of the core and delta of the part which is acceptable. 12 evident points, identification
certainly depends upon
C. LESSON WRAP-UP clearness of the type and rarity
of the type.
Summary
Two prints must have the same general pattern in order to give a positive identification. They must
also have a certain number of common ridge characteristics. this number can vary depending on how
common the characteristics are and how much of the print is available. There are two main methods used
for fingerprint identification. Minutiae based techniques and Correlation- based techniques. There is no
international standard for the number of points of identification required for a match between two
fingerprints. The fingerprint examiner offers an expert opinion, based on his or his training and experience
and a thorough examination of all the details of fingerprint as to whether there is a match or identification.

FAQs
1. How is fingerprint evidence used in court?
Ans. One of the most common uses for fingerprints
is to help investigators link one crime scene to another involving the same person. Fingerprint
identification also helps investigators to track a criminal record, their previous arrests and convictions.

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 CRI 199: Personal Identification

Student Activity Sheet: Module #22

Name: ____________________________________________Class Number: ____________________

Section: __________________ Class Schedule: ___________ Date: __________________________

2. What type of evidence is fingerprint?

Ans. Physical evidence that can determine the identity of people associated with a crime for example
fingerprints, handwriting, DNA might prove that a certain person was present at a crime scene.

Thinking about Learning

Congratulations for completing this module. You can now shade the number of modules you have
completed.

There are two parts of the activity; first I would like to ask you what part of the lesson that you
found easy and difficult to answer and why? And the second part would be your self-evaluation on
achieving learning targets.

What part of the lesson Easy Difficult

did you find easy and
difficult to answer and
why?
Part of A lesson

Why?

This is a self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets: Just place check (/) mark on the
space provided.
a. I can compare the two main methods used for fingerprint identification. _______
b. I can explain the qualification or requirements in presenting fingerprint evidence in court to be
admissible. _________________

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 CRI 199: Personal Identification

Student Activity Sheet: Module #22

Name: ____________________________________________Class Number: ____________________

Section: __________________ Class Schedule: ___________ Date: __________________________

KEY TO CORRECTIONS
Skill-building Activities. (10points)
Exercise 1. Possible answer
Minutiae- based techniques first find the minutiae points then map their relative placement on
the finger to match ridge characteristics.

Correlation -based techniques- this technique requires the precise location of a registration
point and is affected by image translation and rotation.

Exercise 2. Rubrics

Complete answer without erasure 10

Incomplete answer 5
No answer (leaving items blank) 0

Check for understanding: Possible answers: (12points)

1.-the same minutiae are present

-the minutiae flow in the same direction
- the minutiae occupy the same relative positions to each other.
2.
-when there are more than 12 evident points and the impression is clear, the identification is absolute.
-When there are between 8 and 12 evident points, identification certainly depends upon clearness of the
type and rarity of the type.
-Presence of the core and delta of the part which is acceptable.

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