Forensic ballistics is the scientific discipline that focuses on firearms and projectiles, specifically in the context of analyzing and reconstructing events related to gunshot injuries. This field encompasses the examination of bullets, cartridge cases, and the mechanisms of firearms to determine key factors such as the type of weapon used, the trajectory of the shot, and the distance from which it was fired.
It involves several key areas:
Firearm Identification: Each firearm leaves unique markings on a bullet or cartridge case, created by the weapon’s barrel and firing mechanism. Forensic ballistics experts compare these markings to match bullets or cases to specific firearms.
Trajectory Analysis: By analyzing the angle and path of a bullet, experts can determine the shooter’s position and the victim’s location. This often involves physics calculations related to gravity and air resistance.
Gunshot Residue (GSR) Analysis: After a gun is fired, tiny particles are expelled. Analyzing these residues can help determine whether someone discharged a firearm, was near a discharged weapon, or even fired a shot.
Range of Fire Determination: The distance from which a shot was fired can often be estimated by examining the characteristics of the wound and any burn marks or stippling around it.
Ballistic Testing: Forensic labs often conduct tests with firearms to study how they behave with different types of ammunition. This helps in understanding how specific bullets would perform in various scenarios.
Crime Scene Reconstruction: Integrating ballistic evidence with other forensic data to reconstruct events leading to a shooting incident, helping to clarify what occurred during a crime.