While gun design has undergone only minimal change over the centuries, investigative tools surrounding firearm use have grown significantly in sophistication. Now in its third edition, Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics has been updated to reflect recently published research and new technology developed since the last volume. Beginning with

Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics, Second Edition offers a comprehensive reference on the forensic science of firearms. It describes what happens when a weapon is fired in terms of internal, external, and terminal/ wound ballistics, and discusses the consequences for the forensic scientist both at the scene of the shooting and in the labor

This book offers a work of reference on the forensic science of firearms. It describes what happens when a weapon is fired in terms of internal, external and terminal, or wound, ballistics and the consequences of these happenings for the forensic scientist both at the scene of the shooting incident and in the laboratory. The role of the forensic scientist is explained in detail, including attending the scene of the crime and post- mortem examination, setting up databases, the recovery of deleted markings and serial numbers, instrumental and analytical techniques used in the laboratory, such as the latest techniques in detection of gunshot residues, and the presentation of evidence in court. A history of the development of firearms and how and why firearms legislation is drafted are also presented. The book includes information on gun barrel proof testing and ordnance code markings to be found in any publication.

The updated second edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics includes recent developed analytical techniques and methodologies with a more comprehensive glossary, additional material, and new case studies. With a new chapter on the determination of bullet caliber via x-ray photography, this edition includes revised material on muzzle attachments, proof marks, non-toxic bullets, and gunshot residues. Essential reading for forensic scientists, firearms examiners, defense and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, and police force, this book is also a helpful reference guide for undergraduate and graduate forensic science students.

Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics, Second Edition offers a comprehensive reference on the forensic science of firearms. It describes what happens when a weapon is fired in terms of internal, external, and terminal/ wound ballistics, and discusses the consequences for the forensic scientist both at the scene of the shooting and in the laboratory.

In recent years, the use of illegally produced firearms has increased exponentially worldwide. These are often cheap, nonstandard firearms that defy known classification and identification criteria. The use of unusual firearms in crimes has frequently led to unpredictable and misleading reconstruction of shooting incidents. In this book, internatio

Forensic Ballistics in Court: Interpretation and Presentation of Firearms Evidence is an accessible introduction to firearms and ballistics evidence and how this is analysed and presented as evidence in a court of law. The book approaches the subject in terms of the realities of case work, opening with a clear and illustrated explanation of the correct nomenclature for various weapon types and their parts. Ammunition is also extensively covered, again with annotated illustrations. Basic external and terminal ballistics, wounding capabilities are likewise covered to give an overview of the subject. A key aspect of the book covers the theory and philosophy behind striation matches and the associated statistics, how positive matches should be peer reviewed and the importance accreditation has on this subject. Gunshot residue formation and identification and the various methods used in its analysis are reviewed in depth. This includes a critical examination of the pros and cons of each type of examination and the evidential weight which can be applied to each method. Accessible and reader-friendly introduction to firearms and ballistics. Clarifies the limitations of firearms evidence. Extensive use of global case-studies throughout. Focus on the interpretation and assessment of the weight of firearms/ballistics evidence presented at court. Covers the importance of witness and accused statements and their interpretation in relation to the investigation under review. Includes coverage of gunshot residue collection, examination and interpretation and the potential for contamination of GSR samples. Includes numerous real life case studies that the author has dealt with over the past 45 years. Takes an applied approach to the subject.