LEGAL DECISIONS.

The article analyzes admissibility of fingerprints from foreign jurisdiction as a proof of prior convictions of habitual criminal. The Supreme Court of Washington in a recent case has rendered an important decision regarding fingerprints. Although the Supreme Court of Washington, do not directly provide for the admissibility of public records from sister states, provision has been made for their proof and admission by congressional enactment. It finally passes the judgment that the method of proving the identity of the appellant by introducing certified copies of the fingerprints of the defendant, and then comparing them with the known prints in the possession of the witness, was proper and in accordance with the rules of evidence as approved by the great weight of authority. It is further contended by appellant that he did not have the opportunity to confront the witnesses testifying against him, as is guaranteed to him by the State Constitution. Documentary evidence is admissible, and its admission is not in derogation of the defendant's right to meet his accusing witnesses face to face for the simple reason that a document is not a witness.