Authors
Manju, Mahima Sharma
Abstract
Forensic ballistics is a crucial discipline within forensic science, focusing on the identification and analysis of firearms, ammunition, and related evidence to assist in criminal investigations. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and techniques employed in cartridge case examination, emphasizing their significance in weapon identification. Fired cartridge cases contain various marks on their surfaces, including striation marks, ejector marks, extractor marks, breech face marks, head marks, firing pin marks, firing pin drag marks, chamber striation marks, and magazine marks. These marks are unique to each firearm, making them critical for linking a cartridge case to a specific weapon. The challenges posed by cartridge cases fired from country-made weapons often exhibit irregular and unique markings due to unconventional manufacturing processes. These firearms, typically produced with less precision than standard firearms, create cartridge cases with distinctive characteristics that differ significantly from those of standard firearms. This complexity not only adds to the identification process but also provides unique forensic opportunities. The paper explores traditional techniques such as visual inspection and comparison microscopy, foundational methods in forensic ballistics that rely on expert analysis of microscopic and macroscopic markings. Modern advancements, including digital imaging and automated matching algorithms, have significantly enhanced the precision and efficiency of these examinations. Technologies such as the Ballistic Identification System (Ball Scan) are streamlining the comparison and identification of cartridge cases. Through a detailed examination of existing methodologies and recent advancements, this review aims to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of cartridge case analysis in criminal investigations. Keywords: Forensic Ballistics, Firearms, Ammunition, Cartridge Case, Country-Made Weapons, Ballistic Identification System.
Introduction
Forensic ballistics is an essential and highly specialized branch of forensic science that focuses on the study and analysis of firearms, ammunition, bullet, cartridge, missile and their impact and related evidence to aid in criminal investigations. This field plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, providing key insights that help solve crimes and secure convictions (Heard, 1997) Cartridge case examination involves the detailed analysis of various marks imprinted on the surfaces of cartridge cases during the firing process. The marks on cartridge cases are unique to each firearm (Zhang et al., 2017) Like fingerprints, these markings serve as distinctive identifiers, making it possible to trace a cartridge case back to the firearm that discharged it. The use of cartridge case examination in forensic investigations offers numerous benefits. It enhances the ability of law enforcement agencies to solve crimes more efficiently and accurately. Moreover, technological advancements have further augmented the field, with digital imaging and automated matching algorithms significantly improving the speed and precision of examinations. Systems like IBIS and Ballistic Identification System exemplify these technological advancements, enabling faster and more accurate comparisons of cartridge cases.
This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods and techniques employed in cartridge case examination, emphasizing their significance and impact in forensic investigations. By exploring both traditional and modern methodologies, the paper seeks to highlight the advancements and challenges in the field, ultimately contributing to the ongoing efforts to improve the reliability and effectiveness of forensic ballistics in criminal investigations.
References
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How to cite this article?
| APA Style | Manju, & Sharma, M. (2024). A Review of Forensic Ballistics: Methods and Techniques for Cartridge Case Analysis. Academic Journal of Forensic Sciences, 07(02), 15–20. |
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