Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification

The Advanced Forensic Science Series grew out of the recommendations from the 2009 NAS Report: "Strengthening Forensic Science: A Path Forward." This volume, Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification, will serve as a graduate-level text for those studying and teaching firearm and toolmark examination and identification. It will also prove an excellent reference for forensic practitioner’s libraries or use in their casework. Coverage includes a wide variety of tools and toolmarks, analysis of gunshots, ammunition, gunshot wounds and professional issues they may encounter.

Provides basic principles of forensic science and an overview of firearms and toolmarksContains information on a wide variety of tools and toolmarksCovers the analysis and interpretation of gunshots, ammunition and gunshot woundsIncludes a section on professional issues, such as: from crime scene to court, lab reports, and health and safetyIncorporates effective pedagogy, key terms, review questions, discussion question and additional reading suggestions

Editor: Biography Contributors Series Foreword

*Please note each section will include Key Terms, Review Questions, Discussion Questions, and Additional Readings sections.

Section 1: Introduction Basic Principles of Forensic Sciences F. Crispino and M.M. Houck

Forensic Classification of Evidence M.M. Houck

Interpretation/The Comparative Method M.M. Houck

Section 2: Methods Laboratory Analysis S.G. Bunch

Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V) L. Tierney

Range M.M. Houck

Shotgun Ammunition on a Target M.S. Bonfanti and J. De Kinder

Physical Match Y. Shor , Y. Yekutieli , S. Wiesner and T. Tsach

Tools R.G. Nichols

Humane Killing Tools S. Pollak and P. Saukko

Section 3: Drugs Sequential Unmasking: Minimizing Observer Effects in Forensic Science K. Inman and N. Rudin

Overview and Meaning of Identification/ Individualization C. Champod

Sharp trauma U. Schmidt

Gunshot wounds S. Pollak and P. Saukko

Section 4: Fire and Arson Residues W.F. Rowe

Overview, Analysis, and Interpretation F.S. Romolo

Plastic Bag Striations C. Roux, S. Hales, M. Morelato, and S. Olinder

Serial Number M.M. Houck

Footwear Marks L. Hammer

Vehicle Tire Marks and Tire Track Measurement W.J. Bodziak

Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction W.J. Chisum

Section 5: Explosives Crime Scene to Court K. Ramsey and E. Burton

Forensic Laboratory Reports J. Epstein

Health and Safety N. Scudder and B. Saw

Measurement Uncertainty Ted Vosk