Blacker v R [1910] HCA 21

Blacker v R [1910] HCA 21

Enlarged photographs of fingerprints are admissible in evidence if they display sufficient relevant features for identification, even if they do not represent the entire print.

Parties
Applicant: Robert Stephen Blacker; Respondent: The King
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
19 May 1910
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Application for Special Leave to Appeal
Outcome
application for special leave to appeal refused
Legal Topics
Admissibility of Evidence, Fingerprint Identification
Criminal Law Evidence Admissibility of Evidence Fingerprint Identification

Case Brief

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Parties

Robert Stephen Blacker

Applicant

The King

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Application for Special Leave to Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Are enlarged photographs of fingerprints admissible in evidence when they do not show the whole fingerprint?
  2. 2 Does omission of part of the print affect admissibility?

Ratio Decidendi

Enlarged photographs of fingerprints are admissible in evidence if they display sufficient relevant features for identification, even if they do not represent the entire print.

Court Disposition

application for special leave to appeal refused

Orders

  • Application refused