Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) and the Center for Nursing Excellence International (CFNEI) has released a glossary of terms used in sexual assault cases. The glossary will be continuously updated and should aid in ensuring clear communications with experts and jurors.
Resources
SBI Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit
This document contains a one-page description of the kit that is used to collect evidence in NC sexual assualt cases followed by a scan of each item, form and instruction sheet contained in the kit. Counsel can use this document to become informed about the types of evidence collected and the correct protocols for collecting, …
Cook County Motion to Exclude Fingerprint Identification
2018 Motion to Exclude testimony about fingerprint “identification” because it is scientifically indefensible, will overstate the probative value of fingerprint evidence and unduly prejudice the Defense, and mislead the trier of fact.
Cook County Motion to Exclude Fingerprint IdentificationRead More
State v. Rudolph
Northern District of Alabama (Daubert jurisdiction) Motion to Exclude Testimony of Forensic Fingerprint Examiner – includes a comprehensive history of what scientific validation has and has not been completed for this field. Critiques the lack of uniform standards. Critiques analysis of small or distorted latent prints. Affidavit of Simon Cole – This expert in the field of …
State v. Zajac
District Court for the District of Utah, Central Division Zajac Order – granted in part and denied in part the Defendant’s motion to exclude fingerprint evidence. Important example of how the language used by the fingerprint examiner can be limited. Memo in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Exclude Fingerprint Evidence
State v. Irick, 291 N.C. 480, 491-492 (1977)
In cases where fingerprint evidence is the only evidence connecting the defendant to the crime, attorneys should consider the Irick rule. State v. Irick, 291 N.C. 480, 491-492 (1977) holds that “[f]ingerprint evidence, standing alone, is sufficient to withstand a motion for nonsuit only if there is ‘substantial evidence of circumstances from which the jury can …
Onin’s Fingerprint Forum
A fingerprint examiner’s site that collects information about AFIS, certification, Daubert challenges, trainings, and other topics, from the law enforcement perspective.
Fingerprint Analysis Basics
Explains and demonstrates the ACE-V technique.
Fingerprint evidence collection techniques
This website has videos demonstrating several techniques that are frequently used to develop and collect fingerprint evidence, including use of black powder, magnetic powder, Mikrosil and super glue fuming. The videos may contain some inaccurate information, but it is worthwhile to view the techniques that are used.
International Association of Identification
Professional association for forensic identification disciplines including fingerprint analysis.
Friction Ridge Subcommittee
This Scientific Area Committee (part of the OSAC) has taken over the work previously done by the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST). It is a collaboration of practitioners working to improve discipline practices and build consensus standards for the field of friction ridge analysis.
State v. Rogers, 355 N.C. 420, 432 (2002)
The test in North Carolina for identification procedures prior to the enactment of the EIRA was stated in State v. Rogers, 355 N.C. 420, 432 (2002) as follows: Whether an identification procedure is unduly suggestive depends on the totality of the circumstances. State v. Pigott, 320 N.C. 96, 99 (1987). A due process analysis requires a …
Brief Bank
For briefs on eyewitness identification issues, including showups, photo arrays, independent basis for in-court identification, expert witness on identification, and jury instruction on identification, visit the Identification of Accused section of the Indigent Defense Services Brief Bank.
Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence
Innocence Project: Eyewitness Misidentification
A resource for eyewitness identification reform, including a link to the North Carolina Actual Innocence Commission Recommendations for Eyewitness Identification.