fingerprint

an impression taken of the indents present on the finger tips. These have been used in the detection of crime since before the Fingerprint Bureau at Scotland Yard was established in 1901, relying on the hypothesis that no two people have the same fingerprint. The first conviction was secured in 1902. The process works by comparing distinctive features of the suspect print with a print found at the scene of the crime. Palm prints were used in 1931. In 2002 it was accepted that ear print evidence might be admissible but that scientific misgiving meant that it could be subject to critical cross-examination. The process is now computerized. See e.g. AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS). While the roots of the use of fingerprints are in criminal investigation, computerization means that the same concept and technology can be used for basic civilian identification purposes, even secure use of personal equipment.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006

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References in periodicals archive

Elisabetta Nicolosi and co-researchers obtained etrogim with differing phenotypes from different environments and conducted DNA fingerprint analyses on them (NICOLOSI et al.

Halakhah Meets DNA Fingerprinting

We used 1-[micro]L aliquots of diluted iWGA products to perform DNA fingerprint analysis and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing.

Combined molecular genetic and cytogenetic analysis from single cells after isothermal whole-genome amplification

To illustrate how the use of restriction enzymes results in the production of unique DNA fingerprint patterns for different individuals, the following demonstration was used (Figure 4; this figure was recreated as individual poster board pieces): two DNA molecules of equal length but with a different sequence of nucleotide bases were presented to students.

Using Harry Potter to introduce students to DNA fingerprinting & forensic science

Our data also suggested that referring centers had experienced infant-to-infant spread based on similar Rep-PCR DNA fingerprint patterns.

Characterizing vancomycin-resistant enterococci in neonatal intensive care

tuberculosis culture with no AFB seen in any specimen; 3) culture-positive specimen from a different patient processed or handled on the same day has an identical DNA fingerprint, and no epidemiologic connections exist between patients; 4) laboratory control strain has an identical fingerprint; and 5) time to growth detection is [greater than]30 days.

Misdiagnoses of Tuberculosis Resulting From Laboratory Cross-Contamination of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Cultures--New Jersey, 1998

First used in court eight years ago, DNA fingerprints are a record of a person's genetic makeup.

DNA on trial

DNA fingerprint results are pending for patient 25, a contact of patient 1.

As a corollary, an analysis of the total DNA fingerprint profile of the Heron Island population across these same generations showed that the population profile remained very stable over time.

Genetic variability and population differentiation inferred from DNA fingerprinting in silvereyes (Aves: Zosteropidae)

If any property is stolen, police will be able to trace the owner by using UV light to read the invisible but unique DNA fingerprint. The pounds 5,000 project has been funded by Communities Against Drugs.

DNA SPRAY IS THE WAY; Invisible identity mark will help deter thieves, say police

Clonal dissemination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus displaying similar DNA fingerprint but belonging to two different serovars (O3:K6 and O4:K68) in Thailand and India.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus diarrhea, Chile, 1998 and 2004

But unlike other property-marking solutions, each bottle of Smartwater has a unique DNA fingerprint and cannot be scratched off or erased.

Police leave their mark

In the USA, every state has established a DNA fingerprint database, and the FBI has a national store linking them all.

DNA - the building blocks of the body