Weapons of Evidence: Scientific Methods in Firearms, Toolmark, and Ballistic Investigation
Keywords:
Firearm examination, Toolmark identification, Ballistic investigation, Gunshot residue, Forensic scienceAbstract
Firearm, toolmark, and ballistic investigations are critical areas of forensic science that can provide evidence that is scientifically reliable in the reconstruction of firearm related crimes and for the judicial decision making process. This review discusses the scientific principles and fundamental techniques used in firearm examination, tool mark identification, and ballistic investigation, and their forensic value. It covers the classification of firearms, the examination of evidence, gunshot residue analysis, comparison microscopy, three dimensional surface analysis, and the use of advanced laboratory techniques to examine toolmarks on the firearm. The review also examines the use of automated ballistic identification systems, digital imaging, and the new technologies that are increasingly improving the objectivity and effectiveness of forensic examinations, like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Current issues, such as evidence variability, standardization, examiner bias, and technological validation, are also discussed. The assimilation of scientific approaches and state-of-the-art technologies remains to enhance the reliability, accuracy and evidentiality of the firearm and toolmark investigation in modern forensic practice.
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