Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics: Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence - Hardcover

Heard, Brian J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470694602 ISBN 13: 9780470694602

Publisher: Wiley, 2008

Synopsis

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.

About this title

From the Publisher

This book offers a detailed and clear examination of the latest scientific techniques and key issues. Questions such as the distance away from a target that a weapon was fired, whether there is any trace evidence that can prove the accused handled a specific firearm, whether the marks on a particular bullet can be said to categorically prove that it was fired from a particular weapon, or whether an erased serial number can be restored are covered in very accessible terms. The technical specifications and characteristics of common weapons are also discussed together with a plain explanation of specialist terminology and advice on the cross examination of expert witnesses.

From the Inside Flap

In cases involving the use, or suspected use, of a firearm, every aspect of the firearm or ammunition has strong evidential value — but what to look for, what any evidence found actually means and how compelling that evidence is can involve very technical elements which are confusing to the non-expert. While startling advancements in modern scientific analysis have allowed forensic laboratories to produce sophisticated results, these advancements have also increased the gulf between the expert and the layperson who is required to interpret the findings. Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics addresses these issues in a very clear and accessible manner and removes the mystique which surrounds this fascinating subject. The author first traces the worldwide use and development of firearms and ammunition before going on to examine questions such as:

• from what distance from the target was the weapon fired?
• is there any trace evidence that proves the accused handled a particular weapon?
• do the marks on a particular bullet prove that it was fired from a specific weapon?
• what information on the origin of a bullet can be gleaned from the headstamp markings?
• is it possible for an erased serial number to be restored?

The text incorporates numerous case studies from a variety of jurisdictions which act as practical examples of the issues discussed. The author also provides invaluable information on the specifications and characteristics of common weapons and explains specialist terminology in everyday language. Based on his extensive experience in court, the author concludes with advice on the cross-examination of expert witnesses. Written by a respected expert on the examination of firearms and ballistics, this is an essential handbook for both defence and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, police officers and forensic examiners throughout the world.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0470694602
• ISBN 13: 9780470694602
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 416