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Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification,

Edition 1

Editors: Edited by Max M. Houck

Publication Date: 22 Oct 2015

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The Advanced Forensic Science Series grew out of the recommendations from the 2009 NAS Report: "Strengthening Forensic Science: A Path Forward." This volume, Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification, will serve as a graduate-level text for those studying and teaching firearm and toolmark examination and identification. It will also prove an excellent reference for forensic practitioner’s libraries or use in their casework. Coverage includes a wide variety of tools and toolmarks, analysis of gunshots, ammunition, gunshot wounds and professional issues they may encounter.

Key Features

Provides basic principles of forensic science and an overview of firearms and toolmarks
Contains information on a wide variety of tools and toolmarks
Covers the analysis and interpretation of gunshots, ammunition and gunshot wounds
Includes a section on professional issues, such as: from crime scene to court, lab reports, and health and safety
Incorporates effective pedagogy, key terms, review questions, discussion question and additional reading suggestions

About the author

Edited by Max M. Houck, Vice President, Forensic and Intelligence Services, LLC, Virginia, USA

Editor: Biography
List of Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Overview
Section 1. Introduction
- Introduction
- Basic Principles of Forensic Science
  - What Is Forensic Science?
  - The Trace As the Basic Unit of Forensic Science
  - Two Native Principles
  - Nonnative Principles
  - See also
- Forensic Classification of Evidence
  - Introduction
  - Methods of Classification
  - Class Level Information
  - Uniqueness and Individualization
  - Relationships and Context
  - See also
- Interpretation/The Comparative Method
  - Introduction
  - Analogy and Comparison within a Forensic Process
  - The Comparative Method within Forensic Science
  - See also
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Discussion Questions
Section 2. Analysis
- Introduction
- Laboratory Analysis
  - Examination of Firearms
  - Uncertainties and Limitations
  - Examination of Fired Ammunition Components
  - Level-One Analysis: Class Characteristic Marks
  - Level-Two Analysis: The Microscopic Comparison
  - Recent Developments
  - See also
- Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V)
  - Introduction
  - History and Etiology
  - The Process
  - Quality and Quantity of Detail
  - Testing
  - Forensic Disciplines that Have Not Adopted ACE-V
  - Conclusion
  - See also
- Range
  - Introduction
  - See also
- Shotgun Ammunition on a Target
  - Introduction
  - The Shot Shell
  - The Barrel
  - Shooting Range Estimation
  - Adaptations
  - Some Misconceptions
  - See also
- Physical Match
  - Introduction: What Is a “Physical Match”?
  - The Uniqueness of a Fracture Line
  - Obstacles to Performing a Physical Match
  - Mathematical and Statistical Evaluation
  - On “Identification” and “Degree of Certainty”
  - Summary
  - See also
- Tools
  - Introduction
  - Definitions
  - Brief History of Toolmark Identification Applied to Forensic Science
  - Application of Toolmark Identification in Forensic Science
  - Important Considerations
  - Casework Examples
  - Future of Toolmark Identification
  - See also
- Humane Killing Tools
  - Introduction
  - Captive-Bolt Humane Killers
  - Injuries from Captive-Bolt Narcotic Devices
  - Fatalities from Humane Killers
  - Stud Guns
  - See also
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Discussion Questions
Section 3. Interpretation
- Introduction
- Sequential Unmasking: Minimizing Observer Effects in Forensic Science
  - The Concept of Sequential Unmasking
  - The Foundational Basis for Cognitive Effects
  - Support for Blind Testing in Forensic Science
  - Arguments against Blind Testing in Forensic Science
  - Sequential Unmasking in Forensic Science
  - Domain-Relevant (and Domain-Irrelevant) Information
  - Exemplar Lineups
  - Conclusion
  - See also
- Overview and Meaning of Identification/Individualization
  - The Identification Process: A Reduction Process to a Single Source
  - The Inferential Schemes
  - Relationship with Probabilities
  - The Bayesian Framework for Evaluating Identification Findings
  - Conclusion
  - See also
- Sharp Trauma
  - Introduction
  - Epidemiology
  - Wound Morphology and Biomechanics
  - Sequelae and Causes of Death
  - Homicide, Suicide, and Accident
  - Capability of Acting
  - See also
- Gunshot Wounds
  - Introduction
  - Wound Ballistics
  - Criminalistic Aspects
  - Entrance and Exit Wounds
  - Classification of Entrance Wounds in Relation to the Range from Muzzle to Target
  - Shotgun Injuries
  - Internal Findings
  - Forensic Examination and Documentation
  - Manner of Death
  - Injuries Caused by Explosives
  - See also
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Discussion Questions
Section 4. Other Methods
- Introduction
- Residues
  - See also
- Overview, Analysis, and Interpretation
  - Introduction
  - The Ammunition for Firearms from the Chemical Point of View
  - Looking for FDR on Surfaces
  - See also
- Plastic Bag Striations
  - Introduction
  - Background
  - Physical Features
  - Methods for Visualization of Physical Features
  - Chemical Methods
  - Protocol for Forensic Examination of Plastic Bags and Films
  - Value of Plastic Bag Evidence
  - See also
- Serial Number
  - Introduction
  - Methods of Application
  - Removal Methods
  - Restoration Methods: Metals
  - Reagent Recipes
  - Photography
  - See also
- Footwear Marks
  - Introduction
  - Types of Footwear Marks
  - Recovery of Impressions
  - Examination Process
  - The Footwear Expert
  - See also
- Vehicle Tire Marks and Tire Track Measurement
  - Introduction
  - Sidewall Information
  - Tire Construction
  - Tire Designs and Databases
  - Original Equipment Tires versus Replacement Tires
  - Noise Treatment
  - Tread-Wear Indicators
  - Known Standards of Tires
  - Examination of Tire Impressions
  - Vehicle Dimensions and Turning
  - Recovery Methods Specific to Tires
  - Retreaded Tires
  - See also
- Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction
  - Crime Analysis and Reconstruction
  - Phases of a Crime
  - Evidence Dynamics
  - Role of Physical Evidence
  - Reconstruction—Historical Perspective
  - Who Does Reconstruction?
  - Methods of Reconstruction
  - See also
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Discussion Questions
Section 5. Professional Issues
- Introduction
- Crime Scene to Court
  - Introduction
  - Task
  - Models
  - Forensic Strategies
  - Integrated Case Management
  - Summary
  - See also
- Forensic Laboratory Reports
  - Contents of a Report—A “Science” Standard
  - Contents of Report: Legal Standards
  - Reports: Stand-alone Evidence or Support for a Testifying Expert
  - Ethical Considerations and Forensic Reports
  - Conclusion
  - See also
- Health and Safety
  - Occupational Health and Safety Policy
  - Specific Laboratory Hazards
  - Hazards in the Field
  - See also
- Measurement Uncertainty
  - Glossary
  - Measurement
  - Measurement to Meaning
  - Measurement Uncertainty
  - Meaning Requires Uncertainty
  - See also
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Discussion Questions
Index