Terminal Ballistics

The use of firearms in crimes has been rapidly increasing, and it seems that one cannot turn on the news without hearing that some crime had been committed with a firearm. Using ballistics as evidence is a way for law enforcement officers to help solve crimes and potentially capture criminals. Ballistics is a very complicated science, where every single detail matters. Every micro-measurement makes a difference when analyzing firearms and ballistics. The most complicated part when solving a crime involving firearms is the fact that no one can recreate the same exact shot. Even though it is an impossible task to do, experts can still duplicate scenarios and environments similar to the original crime, giving law enforcement more evidence to put

“Terminal ballistics is in many cases, the least considered aspect of ballistics when determining the kind of bullet to use for a specific purpose…terminal ballistics is the study of how a projectile behaves when it hits its target and transfers its kinetic energy to the target. The bullet’s design, as well as its impact velocity, plays a huge role in how the energy is transferred” (Hornady). There are two ways that bullets can cause damage to humans and animals alike. “The primary way a bullet causes damage is through the permanent cavity it leaves - the hole that is created as the bullet passes through skin, bone or flesh. This wound channel is the same diameter as the bullet/bullet fragments and is a function of bullet penetration and expansion” (Hornady). The second way that a bullet causes damage is “by the temporary cavity it causes. When a bullet hits soft tissue, the tissue acts more like a fluid than a solid as it gives way and tries to absorb the bullet’s energy. The bullet does not immediately penetrate the tissue; instead it makes an impact crater that stretches in until the bullet penetrates the tissue” (Hornady). While the bullet continues stretching the tissue, the tissue is under so much pressure that it is ripped and torn while trying to assume it’s original position on the body. While studying terminal ballistics, experts must take into

Even if there wasn’t a firearm collected at the scene of the crime, “Firearms examiners…can provide a list of possible firearms that may have fired the projectile…The fact that the lab can supply a list of manufacturers whose barrels match the twist rate and direction of the fired projectile is significant. In cases where the gun isn't immediately recovered, investigators can limit their search to only certain firearm brands” (Spraggs). When regarding firearms examiners, it is important to remember that examiners cannot establish who committed the crime, and when the crime took place. The only way that forensic scientists can figure out who committed the crime from the gun itself is through DNA evidence or the gun registration (if any). Ballistic examiners have an important place on the witness stand, if they are subpoenaed to testify during a trial. Because only expert witnesses can give their opinions on trial matters, defense and prosecuting attorneys must call experts to give their testimony. Ballistic scientists are considered to be expert witnesses, and they can form their own professional opinions on what they fid during their tests. The evidence that they acquire can make a huge difference in the case, and can sway a