Forensics Firearms Examinations (Exam 2) Flashcards
Define ballistics.
Study of projectiles in motion
Define firearms examination.
Forensic examination of firearms and ammo
Define tool.
Harder of two objects
Define toolmark.
Mark left on an object after coming into contact with a tool
Is a firearm a tool?
Yes
Why is a firearm a tool?
The hard metals of the firearms interior at as a tool against the softer metals of the case
What is the difference between impressed and striated toolmarks?
Impressed are applied perpendicularly while stritated are applied in a parallel manner
What is the difference between class and individual characteristics?
Class characteristics define a group while individual characteristics single out an individual
What are 2 class characteristics of a cartridge case?
Caliber and ejector
What are 2 class characteristics of a fired bullet?
Number and width of lands & grooves
Define subclass.
Subdivision of class characteristics where observed marks are unique to the tool creating the firearm but not the firearm itself
What does IBIS stand for?
Integrated Ballistics Identification System
What is IBIS used for?
Searching images of fired ammo (mostly cartridge cases) to link cases
What is the purpose of a second opinion?
To have a 2nd, independent examiner come to the same conclusion as the first
When examining toolmarks, you should never fit the tool into the…
Impression
