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The Royal Scottish Society of Arts
Showcasing Scotland's Science, Technology and Innovation



7th Meeting and AGM of the 180th Session (2000-2001)

Finger of Suspicion: Fingerprint Forensic Evidence under the Microscope

Shelley Jofre
Panorama, BBC-TV

In the Wolfson Suite, Ground Floor
Edinburgh University Library
George Square, Edinburgh
On Monday 8th October 2001, at 7 pm

A single fingerprint is enough to send someone to prison for life. We are all conditioned to believe that this aspect of forensic detection is an exact science where the expert evidence leaves no room for doubt. However, recent high-profile murder and perjury cases in Scotland have led to serious questions about the subjectivity and safety of such evidence.

Shelley Jofre's investigative programmes have impressively highlighted the misuse of fingerprint evidence in the criminal courts, and they have led to inquiries into the operation of the Scottish Criminal Record Office. There is now growing pressure to reform the criteria for fingerprint identification and to introduce genuinely independent assessment of evidence.

Location of meeting

Society Business

Members should note that the meeting will be preceded by the Society's Annual General Meeting, beginning at 6.30 pm, Dr Stuart Monro, Vice-President, in the Chair. Papers will be available at the meeting.

For the Seventh Meeting the President, Dr Allen D C Simpson, will be in the Chair

  1. Nominations for Fellowship of the Society, with their Proposers:
  2. Notice of the meetings to be held on Mondays 5 November and 3 December 2001.

Members of the Public are welcome to attend

Graham Rule, Secretary

The Royal Scottish Society of Arts is Registered Scottish Charity SC015549

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