Forensic Ballistics Introductory Notes What is Forensic ballistics

Forensic Ballistics Introductory Notes

What is Forensic ballistics? Ø Forensic ballistics attempts to establish the true facts in a shooting crime Ø Ballistic evidence includes l l l Firearms Bullets Cartridge cases

Major Types of Ballistic Evidence Ø Bullet holes Ø Bullet damage Ø Bullet trajectories Ø Gunshot wounds

Internal Ballistics Ø Internal Ballistics studies all of the processes inside a firearm. Ø Most common responsibilities are: l l l Examining firearms in case of accidental discharge Examining homemade devices called zip guns The microscopic examination of fired bullets and cartridge cases

External Ballistics Ø External ballistics studies the projectile of the bullet from the gun to target. Ø Two common types of external ballistics are: l l Calculation and reconstruction of bullet trajectories Establishing the maximum range of a given bullet

Terminal Ballistics Ø Terminal ballistics is the study of the projectiles effect on the target. Ø The target can be any solid or living object Ø When the target is human or animal this is often referred to as “wound ballistics”

Types of Terminal Ballistics Determination of distance between firing and target Ø Establishing whether a particular wound was caused by a fired bullet Ø Determining the caliber and type of projectile that caused the wound Ø Identifying exit/entrance by examining holes in targets or wounds Ø Examination of ricochet possibilities on targets and fired projectiles Ø