1st Edition
Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trials Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects
Over the last two‑plus decades, the scientific validity of the principles that underpin identifying a firearm from recovered fired ammunition has been a core issue for the admissibility of expert evidence in criminal trials in the United States. The issues that dominated the determinative points, as they related to the scientific and technological analysis, centered around the following: the validity of uniqueness of firearms, subjective methodology, the potential rate of error, unknown statistical certainty and unsatisfactory proficiency tests. These issues have essentially become the legal requirement for admissibility of experts’ opinion on the linkage of firearms with fired ammunition, an important forensic opinion that connects the crime with the perpetrator through the weapon of offence.
In Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trials: Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects, internationally renowned forensic firearm expert Dr J. K. Sinha provides demonstrative explanations and helpful clarifications using simple illustrative examples from scientific casework and everyday life. The goals are to:
- Prove the scientific validity of the uniqueness of identifying features of firearms
- Identify the statistical threshold to qualify and determine a corresponding match
- Debunk the misconception of subjective methodology and the potential rate of error thereof in experts’ decision making and opinions
- Clarify the prevailing perception of similar, dissimilar and insufficient marks and consequential interpretation
With certain non‑technical readers in mind as well, the book provides a basic understanding of the general make‑up of firearms and ammunition, the evidentiary values of commonly used firearms, fired empties, fired bullets and pellets, and scientific investigative leads that result from visual and physical evidence. Chapters cover related topics such as proficiency tests, identifying competent experts, admitted firing, and reliable and testable methodology. The book also reviews the admissibility of expert evidence in India and explains the proviso of admissibility of ballistic expert report in criminal trials. Throughout, the author emphasizes the need for requisite forensic knowledge by the investigator and aided by a competent expert for effective scientific investigation of gunfire crimes such as would aid in the proper presentation of scientific evidence at criminal trial for a successful outcome.
Part 1: Legal Aspects in Criminal Trials Involving Firearms
1. Introduction to Evidence in Criminal Trials involving Firearms: A Brief Review
2. Admissibility of Ballistics Expert Evidence in Criminal Trials in the United States
3. Admissibility of Ballistics Expert Evidence in Criminal Trials in India
Part 2: Investigative Aspects in Criminal Trials Involving Firearms
4. Introduction to the Investigation of Gunfire Crime and the Basics of Firearm and Ammunition
5. Evidentiary Values of Fired Ammunition in Criminal Trials and Investigative Leads
6. Fired Projectiles as Evidentiary Clues in Criminal Trials and Investigative Leads
7. Evidentiary Values of Firearms in Criminal Trials and Investigative Leads
8. Eyewitness Statements and Investigative Leads
9. Investigation of Admitted Firing in Criminal Trials
Part 3: Scientific Aspects in Criminal Trials Involving Firearms: Identification of Firearm from Fired Ammunition
10. Identification of Firearms from Fired Empties
11. Identification of Rifled Firearms from Fired Bullets
12. Scientific Evidence vs Eyewitness in Criminal Trials Involving Firearms
Biography
J. K. Sinha has a PhD in forensic science. He has been associated with this field for more than six decades in a variety of capacities. An internationally known forensic firearm expert and consultant, he has been a firearm examiner for central government for over 34 years and has served as Director‑in‑Charge and Head of Ballistics Division of Central Forensic Laboratory, Chandigarh, India.
"Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trials: Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects is an important landmark for admissibility of experts’ opinions on firearm ammunition linkage and an invaluable contribution to improving the investigation of shooting crimes to effectively utilize forensic science. I strongly recommend this book as a handy reference for juries, investigators, lawyers, judges, and those adjudicating forensic firearm cases."
—Prof (Dr). R.M. Sharma, Advisor – Forensics, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, India; Formerly Professor of Forensic Science and Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
"The book Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trials: Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects thoroughly explores the legal and forensic aspects of examining firearms and ammunition in criminal trials. It is an excellent resource for attorneys, judges, and legal scholars seeking a deeper understanding of the legal landscape. In the spirit of advancing our collective understanding of forensic firearms examination … I am sure this book will inspire a new generation of forensic scientists and legal professionals, fostering a commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice."
—Dr S.K. Jain, Director-cum-Chief Forensic Scientist, Directorate of Forensic Science Services, MHA, Government of India
"Dr. J. K. Sinha, an acclaimed forensic ballistics expert, in his book Forensic Firearms in Criminal Trails: Legal, Investigative, and Scientific Aspects, presents a well-structured, valuable step-by-step guide for the investigation of visual and indirect evidence of physical clues in criminal cases involving firearms. Dr. Sinha offers vivid explanations of the utility of the science of forensic ballistics which will help the investigating police officers to achieve a successful outcome in the judicial decision of the criminal trial. I recommend this book as a valuable reference for investigating police officers, prosecutors, enforcement agencies, lawyers, and all other professionals associated with criminal trials."
—Dr. Narinder Bhargav, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Border Range, Amritsar & Deputy Inspector General of Police, NRI Wing, Punjab, India
