Court Opinion

ID: 9601441
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 01:43:43.907978+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:01:57.415426
License: Public Domain

BUSSEY, Judge
(concurring in part).
While I am in accord with the conclusion of my learned collegue, Judge NIX, that the Judgment and Sentence rendered herein should be affirmed. I am compelled to respectfully disagree with that portion of his opinion relating to the admissibilty of the results of the Dermal Nitrate (Paraffin) Test, and am of the opinion that the results of the Dermal Nitrate Test, in determining the presence or absence of nitrate or nitrate derivatives has attained that degree of reliability as to render its results admissible in evidence. In referring to this test in F.B.I. Law Enforcement Bulletin, October 1935; it is stated:
“ * * * At tjje outset Jt should be understood that when this test is used and a positive reaction takes place, that is, specks of a blue color are found in the paraffin, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that some nitrate was present on the hand.”
In arriving at this conclusion I am not unmindful that nitrate deposits may be present on the hands or arms of any person who has recently come into contact with any of the following substances; (1) fertilizer, (2) photographic chemicals, (3) metal finishing chemicals, (4) plumber’s supplies, (5) costume jewelry, (6) tobacco, (7) tobacco juice, (8) tobacco smoke, (9) urine, (10) firecrackers, (11) cosmetics, (12) bleaching agents, and (13) gunpowder.
In the instant case, the results of the Paraffin Test on the body of the deceased were admitted to establish the absence of nitrate on the hands and arms of the deceased. The absence of nitrate not only tends to establish that the deceased’s hands and arms were not near the firearm when it was discharged, inflicting the wound from which he succumbed, it further tends to negate the presence on the hands and arms of; fertilizer, photographic chemicals, metal finishing chemicals, plumber’s supplies, costume jewelry, tobacco, tobacco juice, tobacco smoke, urine, saliva, firecrackers, cosmetics and bleaching agents.
In view of the defense interposed in the instant case, the results of the test were of probative value when considered with all of the other facts and circumstances adduced on the trial, and undoubtedly aided the jury in their deliberation.
In conclusion I am of the opinion that the results of the Dermal Nitrate Test are admissible in evidence for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of nitrate or nitrate derivatives, and that it is proper for the jury to consider the results and inferences to be drawn therefrom in the same manner as they are permitted to consider other circumstancial evidence.