R. v. Mohan (1994)
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
RAM
Combination of Rhodamine 6G, Ardrox and MBD dyes, which fluoresce
when exposed to selected wavelengths of light; used to visualize
cyanoacrylate fumed friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Developed in 1990 by four FBI Latent Print Examiners: Harless Cummins,
Felix Peigare, Mitchell Hollars and Tim Trozzi.
RAY
A fluorescent dye stain (a combination of Rhodamine 6G, Ardrox, and
Basic Yellow 40) used to visualize cyanoacrylate ester fumed friction
ridge detail. Optimum viewing is done with an alternate light source
(450-550nm) and orange or red goggles.
R6G
See Rhodamine 6G.
RTX
See Ruthenium Tetroxide.
RUVIS
Reflective Ultra-Violet imaging system that allows visualization of friction
ridge detail in the ultraviolet spectrum.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Radial
The smaller of the two bones of the forearm, on the same side as
the thumb.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Radial Longitudinal Crease
The crease that encloses the thenar area and interdigital pad 1.
Below the proximal transverse crease. Known as the 'line of life'.
Rarity
Fewness or scarcity of an item, thing, or shape.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Reagent
Substance used in a chemical reaction to detect, examine, measure, or
produce other substances.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Red Flags
Danger signs, common in latent fingerprints that may indicate a
distortion in the ridge path.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Redox
Reduction-Oxidation. Chemical reaction in which one or more electrons
are transferred from one atom or molecule to another. An important
component of the Physical Developer and Multimetal Deposition processes.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Redwop ™
A fluorescent fingerprint powder developed by Ed German in 1986 and given to the
Lightning Powder Company.
In the mid-1980’s, Brent Cutro, with the Illinois State Police, noticed the paint
pigment on an Oxydol box glowed under certain light wavelengths. Ed German researched
this phenomenon and found it was a substance known as Fire Orange pigment. He then
established the optimal dilution of Fire Orange pigment in lycopodium to effectively
dust for latent prints. This was the first latent print development powder tailored
for blue-green wavelength excitation. Ed German gave his new invention to Lightning
Powder Co. Michael Carrick, of Lightning Powder, named the new invention Redwop. The
components of Redwop may have changed since its inception.
Redwop (powder spelled backwards) is a very fine fluorescent powder. It is especially
useful on multicolored objects but also works well on wood and vinyl. A feather or
zephyr brush is the preferred application. Optimum viewing is done with an alternate
light source using blue-green excitation (475-510 nm) and an orange filter. When competing
luminescence occurs with the background/substrate, viewing at 570 nm and a red filter or
viewing with UV lighting can improve visualization. Yellow goggles should be used to
protect eyes from UV light. Redwop is non-caustic to the skin but breathing the dust
particles should be avoided.
Re-examination
A re-examination is a reassessment of a conclusion(s) which can be done by
the same individual or a different individual, and done with either the original
evidence or reproductions of the evidence. The person doing the
reassessment may or may not know of the original conclusion(s). A
re-examination is different from normal verification (although it can verify
the conclusion) because the intent of re-examination may be different.
The intent of re-examination is to check if other conclusion can also be
determined while the intent of verification is to check the reliability of
the conclusion(s). Differing conclusions may arise due to the differing
information.
Reh, Dr. Ludwig (1894)
Dr. L. Reh was an early researcher on the hands and feet of mammals. Reh
classified many of the various epidermic formations as scales but separated
the fine lines that covered the pads. He wrote "Die Schuppen
der Saugetiere" ("The Scales of Mammals") in 1894 where he stated that ridges
didn't evolve from scales, they are of secondary origin.
Reis, George
George Reis is one of the early users of digital imaging in forensics and is a
knowledgeable and prominent forensic imaging expert in the United States.
Mr. Reis started his career as a photographer, photojournalist and photo lab
technician. From 1989 to 2004 he worked for the Newport Beach Police Department
in California as a forensic photographer. In 1991 he began experimenting with
digital imaging technology and the following year NBPD started using this
technology for fingerprint analysis.
In 1995, George Reis founded Imaging Forensics, which provides training and
consulting services in both digital imaging and photography. Through his company
he has trained personnel from the Secret Service, FBI, US Army Crime Lab, state,
county and municipal agencies. In addition to training, Imaging Forensics provides
consulting to police agencies in order to help them transition to digital imaging
technology. They also provide litigation support on criminal and civil cases (for
both plaintiff and defense).
Mr. Reis is certified by the IAI in Forensic Photography. He is a member of the
Forensic Photography and Imaging Certification Board, and a member of the Journal
of Forensic Identification editorial review board. Additionally, Mr. Reis is an
alpha and beta tester for Adobe Photoshop.
Relative Position
Proximity of characteristics to each other.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Reliable
Yielding the same or compatible results in different clinical experiments or
statistical trials.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=reliable 05-27-2006
Renoe, Alexander J. (A. J.) (1868-1939)
Renoe was a prominent United States identification expert in the early
1900's. He learned about personal identification from Capt. Michael P.
Evans. In 1889, while working at the Illinois State Reformatory, Renoe
was asked to organize a Bertillon identification unit for the reformatory.
In 1904, he added a fingerprints system. In 1908, he was asked to implement
a finger print system for the Minnesota State Penitentiary. Just a few
months after this he was offered the position of records clerk for the US
Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas under the Warden, Major R. W. McClaughry.
In 1914, he was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Identification for the US
Department of Justice, which was located at Leavenworth. While working in
this position, Renoe developed the extensions to the Henry System that were
used by many police departments, including the FBI. He held this position
until 1923 when this finger print section was combined with the National
Police Bureau's records to form the Identification Section of the Federal
Bureau of Identification in Washington D.C. Renoe was appointed technical
expert in the reorganization. Among his other accomplishments, in 1921 Renoe
was elected as the 2nd president of the IAI and served two terms in this position.
Reproducibility
Accuracy-extended to which a measurement agrees with the accepted
or correct value.
www.esb.utexas.edu/dbm/Teach/bot308/Unit1/02science.htm
Reticular Layer
One of the two layers of the dermis. The layer that is furthest
from the epidermis.
Reversed Image
See Image Reversal.
Reversed Color or Tones of Print
See Tonal Reversal.
Reviews, types of
Administrative Review
Peer Review
Technical Review
Verification can be used as either a review process or a re-examination process
Reyes, Victor
See State of Florida vs. Victor Reyes.
Rhodamine(s)
Family of dyes that produce fluorescence when exposed to selected
wavelengths of light; used to visualize cyanoacrylate fumed friction
ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Rhodamine 6G
A fluorescent dye stain used with an alternate light source to
visualize cyanoacrylate ester fumed friction ridge detail. Optimum
viewing is done with an alternate light source (495-540nm) and
orange or red goggles.
Ridge (Friction)
See Friction Ridge.
Ridge Aplasia
Congenital absence of friction ridge skin.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Ridge Characteristics
See Characteristics
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Ridge Count
The number of ridges between the core and the delta. Used in the
Henry Classification System.
Ridge Detail in Nature
John Berry (Hertfordshire) commenced publication of this esoteric journal in
1979, dealing with his observations that the seven basic ridge detail
characteristics appear throughout nature, obvious examples being zebra and
wind-blown or tidal-formed ridges and furrows on sand surfaces. In the
century prior to his research, a dozen or so discoveries had been noted in
fingerprint publications. The first issue of RIDGE DETAIL IN NATURE was
circulated with ‘Fingerprint Whorld’ in 1979, featuring over seventy
discoveries, many being illustrated. Since then Berry has published twenty-
five annual issues, many profusely illustrated, and with large page counts.
The journal was re-titled STRABISMUS in 1998. At the end of 2004, the total
of ridge detail discoveries was 1,556. Alice Maceo, of the Las Vegas Metro
Police Department, has lectured at I.A.I. conferences, citing many of Berry’s
reported discoveries, and proffering her theory for the phenomenon. Berry
also lectured on the subject at fingerprint conferences in several countries
before his retirement in 1991. John Berry expresses his appreciation for the
reports of over thirty researchers in the last quarter century, especially his
friends and ex-colleagues at Hertfordshire, Martin Leadbetter and Mike Walker.
Ridge Dissociation
See Dissociated Ridges
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Ridge Dysplasia
See Dysplasia
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Ridge Flow
1. The direction of one or more friction ridges.
2. A component of Level 1 detail.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Ridge Hypoplasia
Underdeveloped ridges associated with an excess of creases.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Ridge Path
1. The course of a single friction ridge.
2. A component of Level 2 detail.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Ridge Unit
A theoretical length to indicate a segment of a friction ridge. This length is approximately
the same distance as the width of a friction ridge and signifies the area around one pore.
Small section of a friction ridge containing one pore.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
See Friction Ridge Unit.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Ridgeology
The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge skin and its use for
personal identification (individualization).
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Ridgeology is a term developed in 1982 by Sgt. David Ashbaugh to describe
the scientific evaluation process used for friction ridge identifications.
Roquerre, Donald Daring
In 1934, in an attempt to conceal his identity, Donald Daring Roquerre mutilated
his fingerprints by conducting surgery on himself. He removed sections of skin
and exchanged them with other areas. In some fingers he merely changed the
direction of the skin. In 1953 he was arrested, the alteration of his fingerprints
was discovered and he was still easily identified.
Rosaniline Chloride
See Basic Fuschin.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Rose Bengal
A fluorescent dye stain used with an alternate light source to visualize cyanoacrylate
ester fumed friction ridge detail. The results using this method were minimal and
its use diminished in the 1980’s.
Ross, Marion
Marion Ross was the murder victim in a 1997 SCRO murder case involving
erroneous identifications.
See. McKie Case.
Rubber Lifter
A sheet of flexible rubber with a small amount of adhesive on one side used to
lift latent prints for preservation. The advantage of using a rubber lifter
is that because of it's flexibility, latents can be lifted off of textured and
curved surfaces. Rubber lifters are also helpful in lifting latent prints off
of paper items because they won't rip the paper. Latents lifted with rubber
lifters will have reversed images.
Rubbing Technique
Powdering technique that can develop friction ridge detail when
substrates are rubbed with gloves or cotton dipped in powder, usually
after surfaces are cyanoacrylate fumed.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Rudimentary
1. Of or relating to basic facts or principles; elementary.
2. Being in the earliest stages of development; incipient.
3. Biology. Imperfectly or incompletely developed; embryonic: a rudimentary beak.
The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=rudimentary 05-13-03
Rudimentary Ridge
Due to the definitions of Rudimentary, a rudimentary ridge could refer to either
the primary and secondary ridges or refer to incipient ridges. It is more common
to see them referred to as incipient ridges.
Also known as an incipient ridge, a nascent ridge or a subsidiary ridge.
Ruga (plural: rugae)
A fold or wrinkle. In friction ridge identification the rugae refers to friction
ridges.
Ruhemann's Purple
Colored compound that is the product of the reaction between amino
acids and ninhydrin.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Rule 16 Discovery and Inspection, section (a) (1) (G) Expert Witnesses
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
At the defendant's request, the government must give to the defendant a written summary
of any testimony that the government intends to use under Rules 702, 703, or 705 of the
Federal Rules of Evidence during its case-in-chief at trial. If the government requests
discovery under subdivision (b)(1)(C)(ii) and the defendant complies, the government must,
at the defendant's request, give to the defendant a written summary of testimony that the
government intends to use under Rules 702, 703, or 705 of the Federal Rules of Evidence
as evidence at trial on the issue of the defendant's mental condition. The summary
provided under this subparagraph must describe the witness's opinions, the bases and
reasons for those opinions, and the witness's qualifications.
Rule 701. Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
If a witness is not testifying as an expert, testimony in the form of an opinion is
limited to one that is:
(a) rationally based on the witness’s perception;
(b) helpful to clearly understanding the witness’s testimony or to determining a fact
in issue; and
(c) not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge within the scope
of Rule 702.
Rule 702. Testimony by Expert Witnesses
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or
education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if:
(a) the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the
trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue;
(b) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data;
(c) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and
(d) the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case.
Rule 703. Bases of an Expert’s Opinion Testimony
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
An expert may base an opinion on facts or data in the case that the expert has been made
aware of or personally observed. If experts in the particular field would reasonably rely
on those kinds of facts or data in forming an opinion on the subject, they need not be
admissible for the opinion to be admitted. But if the facts or data would otherwise be
inadmissible, the proponent of the opinion may disclose them to the jury only if their
probative value in helping the jury evaluate the opinion substantially outweighs their
prejudicial effect.
Rule 705. Disclosing the Facts or Data Underlying an Expert’s Opinion
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
Unless the court orders otherwise, an expert may state an opinion — and give the reasons for
it — without first testifying to the underlying facts or data. But the expert may be required
to disclose those facts or data on cross-examination.
Rule 1001. Definitions That Apply to This Article
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
In this article:
(a) A “writing” consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent set down in any form.
(b) A “recording” consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent recorded in any manner.
(c) A “photograph” means a photographic image or its equivalent stored in any form.
(d) An “original” of a writing or recording means the writing or recording itself or any
counterpart intended to have the same effect by the person who executed or issued it. For
electronically stored information, “original” means any printout — or other output readable
by sight — if it accurately reflects the information. An “original” of a photograph includes
the negative or a print from it.
(e) A “duplicate” means a counterpart produced by a mechanical, photographic, chemical, electronic,
or other equivalent process or technique that accurately reproduces the original.
Rule 1002. Requirement of the Original
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
An original writing, recording, or photograph is required in order to prove its content unless these
rules or a federal statute provides otherwise.
Rule 1003. Admissibility of Duplicates
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as the original unless a genuine question is raised about
the original’s authenticity or the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate.
Rule 1004. Admissibility of Other Evidence of Content
(As amended to December 1, 2011)
An original is not required and other evidence of the content of a writing, recording, or photograph
is admissible if:
(a) all the originals are lost or destroyed, and not by the proponent acting in bad faith;
(b) an original cannot be obtained by any available judicial process;
(c) the party against whom the original would be offered had control of the original; was at that time
put on notice, by pleadings or otherwise, that the original would be a subject of proof at the trial or
hearing; and fails to produce it at the trial or hearing; or
(d) the writing, recording, or photograph is not closely related to a controlling issue.
Russell-Turner, William
Inventor of the Comparator.
Ruthenium Tetroxide (RTX)
Reagent used in the visualization of friction ridge detail,
especially on fabrics.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
A chemical used in a fuming method to develop friction ridge detail on porous items.
RTX reacts with sebaceous material leaving dark gray images. This process can be used
on thermal paper, human skin, fabric, leather, glass, plastic, tape, wood, metal, stone,
walls, and wet surfaces.
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