Which legal case was the first American appellate case related to fingerprint expert testimony?

The case of People vs. Jennings is significant as it represents the first American appellate decision to address the admissibility of fingerprint expert testimony in court. This landmark ruling helped to establish the scientific foundation for the use of fingerprint evidence in legal proceedings, marking a pivotal moment in forensic science and criminal justice.

In this case, the court evaluated the reliability and validity of fingerprint analysis, ultimately setting a precedent for future cases involving fingerprint experts. The decision underscored the importance of establishing the principles governing scientific evidence and the qualifications of experts in court, which has had lasting implications for the admissibility of forensic evidence in the judicial system. This foundational case paved the way for the integration of fingerprints as a critical tool in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activities.