The Spa Murders © (State of Florida v. Stephen William Beattie (1978))
The spa murders occurred on July 23, 1978 in North Miami Beach, Florida. This
case was the first case on record where a latent fingerprint developed from a
homicide victim's skin was identified with an offender and introduced as evidence
in court.
Three victims (1 male and 2 females) were found shot to death in the World of
Health Spas. One of the victims, a young female, was found nude, posed and her
clothing strewn about. It appeared as though she may have been sexually assaulted.
She was processed for latent print evidence with black magnetic powder and three
prints were developed on the left ankle area. One of the prints was determined to
be identifiable and was identified to the subject. The other two victims were also
processed for latent print evidence with KromeKote ® cards, yielding negative results.
There are many misconceptions connected with this case, which have perpetuated over
the years, resulting in urban legend. One is that the print was deposited on the
surface of the victim's skin with sun tan lotion or oil. This is unsubstantiated
and unfounded but has contributed to over embellished statements that all prints
recovered from human skin have been in the state of Florida and are due to sun
tan oil.
The causative factor of the print is irrelevant and was definitely not sun tan oil.
The fact was that a latent print was developed and recovered from the surface of the
skin of a murder victim and was subsequently accepted in court as evidence.
On January 31, 1979, Stephen William Beattie was found guilty of three counts of 1st
degree murder. On February 1, 1979 he was sentenced to three consecutive death
sentences. Beattie committed suicide within three years of his sentence in prison
while awaiting execution. He maintained his innocence even to the end.
By William C. Sampson and Karen L. Sampson
Sparks from the Anvil
Sparks from the Anvil was the second periodical of the IAI and was
published from 1933-1937.
Specific Pattern
Pattern or path of the friction ridges used during identification;
second level detail.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Spinous Layer of Epidermis
See Stratum Spinosum.
Split Thumb
Thumb that has conjoined distal phalanges.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Sprue Marks
Marks that are made when casting metals or plastics. These marks can resemble
friction ridge detail by replication ridges with bifurcations and ending ridges.
These marks typically appear with a wavy motion and have no signs of pores or
ridge edges. These marks have been called extrusion marks and/or false ridge
detail.
Spur
A bifurcation with one short friction ridge branching off a longer friction ridge.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Squamous
Resembling a scale or scales; thin and flat like a scale.
The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=squamous
Stand-alone
A segment of a simultaneous impression that has sufficient value to arrive at a conclusion
of identity directly from the information within this segment.
A segment of a simultaneous impression that has sufficient information to arrive at a
conclusion of individualization independent of other impressions within the aggregate.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Standard
1. Acceptable by the majority as what is usual or common.
2. Required by an authoritative source as what is necessary; a criteria (e.g. Certification
requirements).
3. Recommended as a best practice but may not be required (e.g. SWGFAST standards).
Standard (ANSI/NIST-ITL)
See ANSI/NIST-ITL Standard.
Standard of Sufficiency for Conclusions
When a quantifiable criteria cannot be established, the general scientific standard
is to have enough evidence and justification to eliminate doubt in others. Some people
refer to this as general consensus conclusions or conclusions that will stand up to
scrutiny or stand the test of time. General consensus conclusions are achieved by
corroboration and not by a democratic vote.
Aka Criteria of Sufficiency for Conclusions.
Standards
Another term for known prints or exemplars.
Starburst
A term popularized by Ron Smith to describe the crease pattern in the top radial
side of the thenar. These creases originate from the same area and then explode
in different directions.
Starrs, Dr. James
A fingerprint critic. A professor of law and forensic science at
George Washington University. Predicted the fall of fingerprints
in 1996.
State of Florida v. Stephen William Beattie (1978)
The first case on record where a latent print was developed on a homicide victim's
skin, identified to a suspect, and introduced as evidence in court.
See The Spa Murders ©.
State of Florida v. Victor Reyes (2003)
This was the 4th trial in the United States that considered the evidentiary value
of computer enhancement with regard to latent evidence. In 1996, Victor Reyes was
charged with a Broward County murder. Originally latent prints on some tape were
analyzed as having no value, but in 1999 the latent images were reanalyzed by
forensic analyst David Knoerlein using a computer enhancement technique known as
‘dodge and burn’, and identified as prints left by Victor Reyes. The State of
Florida found that computer enhanced images did meet the Frye test and the latents
were admitted as evidence in the trial. Reyes was acquitted at trial. The jury
felt that the latent prints didn’t prove that Reyes committed the murder. The
significance of this case was that defense attorneys realized the importance of
challenging digitally generated evidence.
State of Illinois v. Jennings (1910)
Aka People v. Jennings.
See Jennings. See Jennings, Thomas.
State of Maryland v. Bryan Rose (2007)
The second case to fail a fingerprint Challenge based on the reliability of the conclusion.
Bryan (Brian) Rose was the suspect in a homicide case. Stephan Meagher testified for the
prosecution and Ralph Haber testified for the defense. On Oct 19, 2007, Judge Souder
published her decision, “…In conclusion, the proof presented by the State in this case
regarding the ACE-V methodology of latent fingerprint identification showed that it was
more likely so, than not so, that ACE-V was the type of procedure Frye was intended to
banish, that is, a subjective, untested, unverifiable identification procedure that purports
to be infallible. After impartial scientific testing, the establishment of an error rate and of
objective criteria which when applied, are documented and can be verified, it may be
that latent print identification opinion testimony as offered in this capital case will qualify
for admission under Frye-Reed. The State did not meet that burden in this case and,
consequently, shall not offer testimony that any latent fingerprint in this case is that of
the Defendant. In this case, the State did not show by a preponderance of evidence
that a fingerprint examiner can reliably identify a fingerprint to an individual to the
exclusion of all others using the ACE-V method.”
In Oct. 2007, the prosecution filed a motion for reconsideration. It was denied on
Feb. 21, 2008. On April 1, 2008, a federal grand jury indicted Rose on murder charges
hoping that this would allow the fingerprint evidence into a trial. On Sept. 8, 2009,
Judge Catherine Blake rendered her decision that the fingerprint evidence was
admissible under the requirements set forth by the Supreme Court in Daubert v.
Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals and by Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael. On Jan. 11,
2010, Bryan Rose accepted a plea deal.
State of Massachusetts v. Patterson (2005)
In 1995 Terry Patterson was found guilty of a 1993 armed robbery and the 1993 homicide
of Det. John Milligan. In 2000, based on inefficient counsel, Patterson won an appeal to
have new trail. Prior to the new trial, the defense asked for a Daubert Hearing regarding
the use of simultaneous impression.
On Dec. 27, 2005, in Commonwealth (of Massachusetts) v. Terry L. Patterson, the
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court determined “Consistent with the decisions of
other courts that have considered the issue since Daubert, we conclude that the
underlying theory and process of latent fingerprint identification, and the ACE-V
method in particular, are sufficiently reliable to admit expert opinion testimony
regarding the matching of a latent impression with a full fingerprint. In this case,
however, the Commonwealth needed to establish more than the general reliability of
latent fingerprint identification. It needed to establish that the theory, process, and
method of latent fingerprint identification could be applied reliably to simultaneous
impressions not capable of being individually matched to any of the fingers that
supposedly made them. On the record before the judge below, the Commonwealth
failed to meet its burden.”
The prosecution offered Patterson a plea agreement of pleading guilty to a lesser
charge with time served instead of risking a new trial and the potential longer
sentence. Patterson took the plea agreement.
State of Michigan v. Les (1934)
In People v. Les, (255 NW 407) the defendant's palm print was recovered from the
windowsill at the point of entry of a breaking and entering scene. Before trial,
the defendant contended that palm prints were not sufficient to sustain a
conviction. The court ruled that the evidence was insufficient to hold the defendant
for trial, quashed the information, and ordered the discharge of the defendant. The
Government appealed that the trial court was in error in their ruling regarding the
palm print evidence, and the Supreme Court of Michigan (1934) agreed that finger-
prints and palm prints are both "considered physical characteristics" and therefore
were "sufficient evidence to go to trial." The trial judge was directed to reinstate
the information.
http://www.clpex.com/Articles/TheDetail/TheDetail82.htm 10-20-2004
State of Nevada v. Kuhl (1918)
State vs. Kuhl was a significant court case regarding palm prints identifications.
This case was an appeal for a conviction of a 1916 murder. It looked at 1) Was
the court in error in allowing experts in fingerprint identification to testify
as experts in palm print identification, 2) Was the court in error in admitting
photographic enlargements of palm prints, 3) Was the court in error in allowing
the use of a projectoscope, 4) Was the court in error in admitting photographs
of palm prints where the experts drew lines upon them, and 5) Was the court in
error in permitting the expert witness to make a positive statement as to the
identity of the palm impressions. The Supreme Court of Nevada (1918) held "NO"
on all counts.
http://www.clpex.com/Articles/TheDetail/1-99/TheDetail82.htm
State of New Hampshire v. Richard Langill (2007)
The first case to fail a Daubert Challenge based on the reliability of the
conclusion. Richard Langill was suspected of burglary. Lisa Corson was the
examiner in this case and Prof. James Starrs testified for the defense. On
Jan.19, 2007, Judge Coffey granted a motion to exclude the fingerprint evidence
stating, “Ms. Corson is qualified through training, experience, and proficiency
testing to provide expert testimony at the defendant’s trial. However, Ms.
Corson’s proffered testimony is inadmissible under Rule 702 because her
application of the ACE-V (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification)
methodology to the single latent print in this case was unreliable as a result
of incomplete documentation and possibly biased verification.” Contemporaneous
documentation was required in the NHDSFL Standard Operating Procedures for
‘examinations’ but not performed in this case. This was most likely because an
‘examination’ was considered to be the physical processing for latent prints and
not considered a part of the ACE-V analytical process. Blind verification was
not a procedure of the NHDSFL and therefore not performed in this case. However,
during the Daubert hearing the examiner testified that Blind Verification was
ideal but not practical.
A motion to reconsider was entered and on April 11, 2007. Judge Coffey ruled that
there was “insufficient information to support a finding that the application of
the ACE-V methodology to the single latent print in this case was reliable.”
Judge Coffey affirmed her original decision.
On Feb 13, 2008, this was argued before the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. On
April 4, 2008, the court issued its opinion to reverse and remand. Langill was
found guilty during the trial.
On Nov. 30, 2010, The Supreme Court of New Hampshire reversed and remanded the
conviction due to hearsay testimony. The examiner was asked to testify to the
verification as stated in the report. The government argued that this could be
testified to because it was a business record and not hearsay testimony. The
Supreme Court of New Hampshire disagreed.
State of New York v. Crispi (1911)
Aka People v. Crispi. Charles Crispi, aka Cesare J. Cella, was the defendant in
this case, which is noted as being the first case that fingerprint evidence was
the sole evidence. Fingerprint expert Joseph Faurot testified to the identification
process. After hearing Faurot’s testimony, Crispi pled guilty. The judge asked
Crispi for a full confession, insuring him that no additional charges would be filed.
The judge wanted to insure that the scientific evidence that was testified to was
indeed correct.
State of New York v. Kent (1968)
Aka People v. Kent. Perhaps the first trial that a defense expert testified that
although the identification had 12 (some articles say 14) points of similarity, the
prints were not identical. Richard Stanley Kent was charged with murdering Joseph
Murphy, a retired New York City Policeman. The key evidence against Kent, a latent
print on a bed board, seemed to be irrefutable. William J. Ciolko, Dutchess County
Public Defender, hired Dr. Vassilis C. Morfopoulos, director of the American Standards
Testing Bureau, to look at the identification. Dr. Morfopoulos analyzed the
identification using a 25x microscope. He testified that he found 3 differences, “One
distinct and crucial difference destroys the validity of an identification”, he said.
Richard Kent was found not guilty of the murder. In 1970, the FBI and the IAI refuted
Dr. Morfopoulos’s analysis and sided with Wilfred Holick, the original examiner in
this case. The defense attorney and the defense expert gave a presentation of this
case at the 55th IAI Conference.
There were two significant points to this case. This was the first time ‘the prints
are not identical’ was used in court as a defense strategy, and the defense claimed that
this case broke down the apparent ironclad status of fingerprints.
State of Ohio v. Betts (1917)
The Betts case may have been the first conviction based solely on palm print evidence.
In 1917, Samual W. Betts was arrested and charged with burglary based on the fact that
his palm print was found on a windowpane. George Koestle (one of Ferrier’s students)
was the person who took and compared the palm prints.
‘Fingerprint and Identification Magazine’, Dec 1942.
Another palm print case that happened around the same time, and also said to be the
first palm print case to have a conviction, was a murder trial in Nevada. The defendant
was Ben Kuhl.
State of Ohio v. Hartman (Hartmann) (1998)
The 3rd court case in the United States ruling on the computer enhancement of
fingerprint images. In 1997, Brett X. Hartman was charged with murdering Winda
Snipes by stabbing her 138 times, slitting her throat, and cutting off her hands.
Due to numerous pieces of evidence, including latent print images on a chair and
a bedspread, a jury found Hartman guilty of murder and kidnapping, sentenced him
to death. In 2001, Hartman appealed his conviction stating 13 different challenges.
The challenges dealing with the latent prints were 1) the admission of digitally
enhanced fingerprint evidence, their reliability and the qualifications of the
state's fingerprint expert, Patrick Warrick, to testify regarding such evidence
and 2) the court failed to make a threshold determination concerning Patrick
Warrick's qualifications stating that "It was error for the trial court to admit
the opinion of witnesses who had not first been qualified as an expert". The
court ruled that "the use of the computer in this instance is no different than
*** would be the use of an overhead projector, microscope, a magnifying glass or
anything else like that that would enhance an experts ability to make his
determination...". It was ruled that since Warrick had used computer enhancement
for approx. a year and a half this was not blazing new ground, Warrick's testimony
was appropriate. The court also determined that although Warrick was not formally
tendered as an expert witness, the defense did not challenge Warrick's qualifications
and the court determined him to be qualified to identify defendants fingerprint on
Snipes's bedspread. On Oct. 3, 2001, the appellate court affirmed Hartman's conviction.
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=oh&vol=981475&invol=1 08-02-2004
State of Virginia v. Robert Douglas Knight (1991)
The first (case to establish a precedence for the acceptance of digitally enhanced
evidence in American criminal proceedings) is Commonwealth of Virginia vs. Robert
Douglas Knight. This 1991 murder case (murder was March of 1990, trial was in 1991)
involved the enhancement of a bloody fingerprint found on a pillowcase at the crime
scene. A company called Hunter Graphics (no longer in business) was contacted by the
Henrico County Police Department to assist in the enhancement process. Experts from
Hunter Graphics used a frequency filter known commonly as a Fast Fourier Transform
(FFT) to subtract the fabric pattern that interfered with the identification of the
fingerprint. The fingerprint was subsequently identified as belonging to Robert Knight.
After being charged with the crime, Knight’s attorney moved for a Kelly-Frye Hearing
to determine the scientific validity and acceptance of the enhancement process. The
determination of the court was that the techniques used were essentially photographic
processes. Robert Knight plead guilty and was sentenced to four life terms.
http://www.more-hits.com/forensics/dl/AboutForensicDigitalImaging.pdf 01-25-2005
State of Washington v. Eric Hayden (1998)
The 2nd court case in the United States ruling on the computer enhancement of
fingerprint images. In 1995, Eric Hayden was charged with murdering a 27-year-
old female. Her body was found with a bloody sheet wrapped around her head and
neck. The examiner in this case, Dan Holshue, found latent prints on the sheet
but they were too subtle to identify. Erik Berg, an expert in enhanced digital
imaging, used enhancement techniques to filter out the background pattern and
colors of the sheet. After enhancement, the latent prints were identified and
Eric Hayden was found guilty of murder. His murder conviction was upheld on
appeal and the court concluded that computer enhancement did meet the Frye
test, setting new case law in this field.
Statistical Analysis of Error Rates
See Error Rate Studies.
Statistical Models on Fingerprint Individuality, etc.
Galton (1892)
Henry (1900)
Balthazard (1911)
Bose (1917)
Wentworth / Wilder (1918)
Pearson (1930)
Roxburgh (1933)
Cummins / Midlo (1943)
Amy (1946-48)
Trauring (1963)
Kingston / Kirk (1964)
Gupta (1968)
Osterburg (1977-80)
Stoney (1985)
Champod (1995-96)
FBI / Lockheed-Martin 50k x 50k study (1999)
Pankanti / Prabhakar / Jain (2001)
Neumann / Champod Likelihood Ratios (2007) (see PBFE)
Steegers, Juan (AKA Steegers y Pereira or Steegers y Perera)(1856-1921)
Juan Steegers was a cuban civil servant honored by his government as a
fingerprint pioneer.
"Fingerprint Techniques" Andre A. Moenssens, 1971 pg 26.
Sticky Side Powder ™
Product used to develop friction ridge detail on adhesive surfaces
and/or tapes.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Stimac, Jon T. (1966-present)
Jon Stimac began his career in forensics after earning a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Criminalistics/Criminal Justice from Weber State University in Ogden,
Utah. Immediately after graduation, he began employment with Salt Lake City
Police Department's Crime Laboratory.
In 1996, Jon left Salt Lake City to continue his career with the Oregon State
Police Forensic Services Division. Since then, he has acted as a latent print
examiner, temporary lab director, forensic scientist, and as the technical
leader for the latent print discipline.
Jon supplemented early research on the 3M® solvent HFE-7100 and introduced
to the forensic community the use of Un-du® as an alternative adhesive separator.
For the development of latent print impressions on specialty papers (thermal and
carbonless), he introduced a specialized ninhydrin formulation and the use of
1,2-Indanedione. Jon has published several technical articles covering these
and other topics within international forensic identification journals, including
the Journal of Forensic Identification. In addition, he has compiled and published
a monthly newsletter on friction ridge individualization, FP Stuff, since 2001.
In Feb. 2008, Jon Stimac became the editor of the IAI’s Identification News.
In 2000, Jon became a member of the FBI sponsored Scientific Working Group on
Friction Skin Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST). He is also active within
several regional and international forensic identification organizations.
Stock Solution
Concentrated solution diluted to prepare a working solution.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Stoney, Dr. David
A mild fingerprint critic. Directs the McCrone Research Institute in Chicago,
PhD Forensic Science. Noted as being the person to state that conclusions of
absolute certainty are based on a leap of faith.
Strabismus
A journal edited by John Berry (Hertfordshire) from 1979 dealing with the
appearance of the basic seven ridge characteristics occurring throughout
nature, the total at the end of 2004 being 1,556. Originally published
under the title RIDGE DETAIL IN NATURE until 1998, this reference should
be used for further information.
Stratify (Stratification)
Arranged in a sequence of grades or ranks.
WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=stratified
Stratton Brothers (Alfred and Albert)
The Stratton brothers made legal history in May 1905 when fingerprint
evidence was used against them in a British Court to convict them of
murdering Thomas and Ann Furrow. Dr. Henry Faulds sided with the
defense in this case due to a bitter controversy over Faulds contribution
to the science of fingerprints.
Stratum Basale (Basal Layer)
The inner layer of epidermis that contains melanocyte cells, Merkel cells and
keratinocyte cells. The layer of the epidermis where new keratinocytes are
formed. Known as the germinative or generating layer.
See Stratum Germinativum.
Stratum corneum epidermidis, horny layer of epidermis: the
outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of cells that are dead
and desquamating.
Merck Source Health Library
http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jspzQzpgzEz/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.
jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_l_05zPzhtm
Stratum germinativum, stratum germinativum epidermidis
[Malpighii], germinative layer: the stratum basale epidermidis and
the stratum spinosum epidermidis considered as a single layer. The
term is also sometimes used to designate only the stratum basale
epidermidis. Called also germinative layer of epidermis, malpighian
layer or rete, mucous layer, and s. malpighii.
Merck Source Health Library
http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jspzQzpgzEz/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.
jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_l_05zPzhtm
Stratum granulosum epidermidis, granular layer of epidermis:
the layer of the epidermis between the stratum lucidum epidermidis and
the stratum spinosum epidermidis.
Merck Source Health Library
http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jspzQzpgzEz/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.
jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_l_05zPzhtm
Stratum lucidum epidermidis
Clear layer of epidermis: the clear translucent layer of the epidermis, just
beneath the stratum corneum epidermidis.
Merck Source Health Library http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jspzQzpgzEz/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.
jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_l_05zPzhtm
This layer of the epidermis is not always present. It is prominent in very
thick skin. Also call the Hyalin layer of the epidermis.
This is an electronlucent skin layer between the stratum granulosum and
stratum corneum in palmoplantar skin rather than what you have written.
Professor Julian Verbov 04-19-08
Stratum Malpighii
See Stratum Germinativum.
Stratum Mucosum
See Stratum Germinativum.
Stratum spinosum epidermidis, spinous layer of epidermis:
the layer of the skin between the stratum granulosum epidermidis
and the stratum basale epidermidis characterized by the presence
of prickle cells. Called also prickle cell layer.
Merck Source Health Library
http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jspzQzpgzEz/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.
jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_l_05zPzhtm
Protein synthesis happens in this layer of the epidermis,
producing keratin.
Subcutaneous
Beneath or introduced beneath the skin.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Subjective
Proceeding from or taking place in a person's mind rather than the
external world: a subjective decision
The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=subjective 02-27-03
Influenced by a person's knowledge, state of mind, or ability.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Subjective Probability
The user defines the probability of an event happening based on their personal judgment.
This is useful when quantifiable data not be established (the probability of getting an
A in a class).
See Classical Probability and Empirical Probability.
Sub-Secondary
An alpha expression derived from the index, middle and ring
fingers of both hands.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Subsidiary Ridge
A friction ridge not fully developed. A subsidiary ridge may appear thinner than
fully developed ridges.
Also known as an incipient ridge, a nascent ridge or a rudimentary ridge.
Substrate
The surface upon which a latent fingerprint is deposited or placed.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
The surface upon which a friction ridge impression is deposited.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Sudan Black
Black dye that stains fats, oils, sebaceous components, and
contaminants of friction ridge residue; can enhance cyanoacrylate
fumed friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
A black dye used to visualize friction ridge detail. Can be alone or
in conjunction with the cyanoacrylate process. Works best on waxy or
greasy surfaces.
Sufficiency
The product of the quality and quantity of the objective data under observation
(e.g., friction ridge, crease, and scar features).
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
See Sufficient.
Sufficiency for a Conclusion
See Criteria for Sufficiency for a Conclusion, or Standard for Sufficiency for
a Conclusion.
Sufficient
Enough or an adequate for a specific function or task (e.g. to do a comparison, to
test a conclusion, to arrive at a conclusion, to justify a conclusion, to perform an
AFIS search, to eliminate doubt by others). This could be a conclusion of value or
a conclusion of identity.
The determination that there is sufficiency in a comparison to reach a conclusion
at the evaluation stage.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Sufficient Recurve
The space between the shoulders of a loop, free of any appendages
that abut upon the recurve at a right angle on the outside.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Suicide Ridges
A term popularized by Ron Smith to describe the ridge pattern on the
underside of the distal transverse crease. Many times these ridges are
found to be a series of vertically terminating ridges.
Suitable
The determination that there is sufficiency in an impression to be of value for
further analysis or comparison.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Sulcus (plural: sulci)
A deep, narrow furrow or groove, as in an organ or tissue.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=sulci
5-Sulfosalicylic Acid
Chemical used in fixative solutions for a variety of blood
enhancement reagents.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Superglue
See Cyanoacrylate Ester.
SuperGlue Girl
For the 2006 California State Science Fair, 13 year old Avery L. Smith
tried to add different coloring agents to superglue to enhance the
visibility. She found that the ink from a pink highlighter produced
the best results. Subsequent to the Science Fair, Miss Smith presented
her conclusions at the 2007 IAI Conference in San Diego, California and
became known as SuperGlue Girl. Her research was subsequently
published in Forensic Magazine and Jan 2007 issue of The Print.
See Colored Superglue.
Superior Region
One of the 3 main areas of the palm. The area immediately below the fingers.
In many countries this area is known as the interdigital area but in some
countries, such as Portugal, this is called the superior region.
Supreme Court of Canada, Her Majesty The Queen v. Chikmaglur Mohan (1994)
(R. v. Mohan)
On appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada from the Ontario Court of Appeal, a decision on the
admissibility of expert evidence and the nature of expert evidence and how it pertains to
disposition. A Canadian decision similar to the American Daubert Hearings, the Mohan decision
has set the parameters and application for the admission of expert in Canada.
Admission of expert evidence depends on the application of the following criteria:
a) Relevance
b) Necessity in assisting the trier of fact (judge or jury)
c) The absence of exclusionary rule
d) Must be by a properly qualified expert
In R. v. Mohan, four counts of sexual assault on female patients ages 13-16 were laid against a
practicing paediatrician. His counsel indicated that he intended to call a psychiatrist who
would testify that the perpetrator of the alleged offences would be part of a limited and
unusual group of individuals and that the accused did not fall within that narrow class
because he did not possess the characteristics of the group (profile) however the evidence
was ruled inadmissible.
The original conviction was stayed by the Court of Appeals and opened a new hearing.
At issue was the determination of the circumstances in which expert evidence is admissible
to show that the character traits of an accused person do not fit the psychological profile
of the putative perpetrator of the offences charged. The resolution of the issue involved
the examination of the rules relating to (i) expert evidence, and (ii) character evidence.
In summary, expert evidence which advances a novel scientific theory or technique is
subjected to special scrutiny to determine whether it meets a basic threshold of reliability
and whether it is essential in the sense that the trier of fact will be unable to come to a
satisfactory conclusion without the assistance of the expert.
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal but decided that the evidence should be excluded
as nothing in the court record supported a finding that the profile of a paedophile or
psychopath (as alleged by the psychologist) has been standardized to the extent that it
could be said that it matched the supposed profile of the offender depicted in the charges.
The expert’s group profiles were not seen as sufficiently reliable to be considered helpful.
http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/1994/1994canlii80/1994canlii80.pdf 8-1-2009
Courtesy of Cst. Jonathan BALTZER and Sgt. Tim Walker, RCMP
Supreme Court of The United States, Bullcomings v New Mexico (2011)
An extension of the US Supreme Court decision in Melendez-diaz v. Massachusetts (2009). The
Bullcomins decision clarifies that the person testifying to a conclusion must have conducted
the analysis.
Supreme Court of the United States, Crawford v Washington (2004)
The US Supreme Court Decision which states that under Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause
“the accused shall enjoy the right … to be confronted with the witnesses against him.” An
exception is allowed for business records. The US Supreme Court decision of Melendez-Diaz v.
Massachusetts (2009) extended the Crawford ruling to indicate that forensic reports are not
considered business records. Bullcomings v. New Mexico (2011) clarifies this further by
stating that a person who conducted the comparison must testify to the conclusions in the
report.
Supreme Court of the United States, Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts (2009)
The US Supreme Court decision that determined that forensic reports were
not considered business records and therefore subject to confrontation (forensic
practitioners must make themselves available to court testimony if asked).
Surfactant
Surface-active substance; detergent.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Sweat Glands
Both the eccrine and the apocrine glands are considered as sweat glands,
as opposed to the sebaceous gland which is an oil gland.
Symphalangy
End to end fusion of the phalanges of the fingers or toes.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Another opinion: Synonymous with syndactyly and webbed fingers
or toes.
The International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition,
World Health Organization.
http://www.nber.org/mortality/1995/docs/ch14.txt 06-18-2003
Syndactyly
Refers to webbed fingers. Side-to-side fusion of digits.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Fusion of the fingers or toes. This may occur with or without
fusion of the bone. Synonymous with symphalangy or webbed
fingers or toes.
The International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition,
World Health Organization.
http://www.nber.org/mortality/1995/docs/ch14.txt 06-18-2003
Synperonic-N
Chemical used in the preparation of the detergent solution in
Physical Developer.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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