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

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

"We are pleased to continue to give back to the community who have welcomed Fingerprinting Express with open arms," said Monica Pappas, President of Fingerprinting Express.

Fingerprinting Express Gives Back with Its Culture to Care[TM] Program; Launches Fourth Nevada Location, March 21

Most of advancements for RF fingerprinting have been searched in position estimation algorithms.

A design of irregular grid map for large-scale Wi-Fi LAN fingerprint positioning systems

Device fingerprinting targets either Flash, the ubiquitous browser plugin for playing animations, videos and sound files, or JavaScript, a common programming language for web applications.

WEBSITES USE DEVICE FINGERPRINTING TO TRACK USERS

The study revealed that device fingerprinting targets either Flash, the ubiquitous browser plugin for playing animations, videos and sound files, or JavaScript, a common programming language for web applications.

1.5% of top websites use 'device fingerprinting' to secretly track users: Study

According to Inspector Araes, most high crimes in the country are solved using the fingerprinting system.

Forensic fingerprint experts talk

The Board has begun to require fingerprinting on renewal for those who were initially licensed/certified by the Board prior to January 1, 2000.

Fingerprinting on renewal for a criminal background check

News reports have various spoken of "insults" to Iranian visitors, of mandatory fingerprinting of Iranian visitors and of mistreatment of Iranian women visiting Saudi Arabia.

Dispute with Saudis said solved

Fingerprinting instructions are included with the notice.

Fingerprinting FAQs for Texas RNs and LVNs

The company adds that fingerPIN represents a major shift in biometric fingerprinting technology.

Putting the finger on security

Which of the three fingerprinting methods--dusting with baby powder, dusting with salt, or not dusting--lifted the best print?

Hands-on science (no lab required)