The interpretation of fingerprint evidence is important in identifying arrested persons who have a criminal record. Fingerprints also enable suspects to be identified by comparing marks left at the crime scene. Fingers are covered in fine lines and ridges and often are characterized by forks, breaks, and other features. Fingerprint patterns are genetic and vary in frequency from one race to another. Despite difficulties in interpreting complex variations in fingerprint patterns, scientists continue to study fingerprints in order to construct probability models. Even so, there is no consensus as to the best fingerprint model and no certainty in fingerprint identifying features. The authors conclude that fingerprint identification is a matter of expert judgment rather than point counting, and they support the use of partial prints as evidence. They believe that fingerprint identification standards currently used in the United Kingdom are too conservative and deprive the courts of useful evidence. 11 references and 3 figures