IP: Validity of fingerprint evidence challenged

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-fingerprint-dilemma0224f
eb24.story?coll=sns%2Dap%2Dnationworld%2Dheadlines


PHILADELPHIA -- Ninety-one years after fingerprint evidence was first
presented in an American courtroom, its reputation as an infallible forensic
tool is under attack in a court challenge that could change how criminal
cases are tried. 
On Monday, federal prosecutors will try to persuade U.S. District Judge
Louis H. Pollak to reverse his recent decision barring experts from
testifying about whether a fingerprint taken from a crime scene matches a
defendant. If the judge doesn't change his mind, the decision could change
the way forensic evidence is gathered and presented in court.
While prosecutors and some forensic experts say Pollak's ruling could have
grave consequences, critics of fingerprint analysis say it's about time the
process was reviewed.

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