People v. Parker

Defendant was convicted of armed robbery of woman in her home, while armed with a box cutter and threatening the imminent use of force. Court properly allowed jury to consider fingerprint evidence, as identification was made by comparing, and matching, latent fingerprints with the known fingerprints of Defendant.Court agreed that fingerprints would be admitted but with caveat that State should not discuss their source. Court's error in admitting unqualified expert testimony was immediately cured when defense counsel elicited witness' qualifications on cross-examination. State's commentary was a fair criticism of Defendant's position and not shift the burden of proof. Court was within its discretion in imposing consecutive sentences (for armed robbery and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon), as Defendant had a record of numerous and constant criminal convictions, including some which were crimes of violence.(SCHMIDT and O'BRIEN, concurring.)