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Consecutive Matching Striation Criteria: A General Critique

NCJ Number
185057
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 955-962
Author(s)
Stephen G. Bunch Ph.D.
Editor(s)
R. E. Gaensslen Ph.D.
Date Published
September 2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper critically explores the general validity of a proposed objective-criteria regime in the forensic science of firearms and toolmark identification, that of counting consecutive matching striations on fired bullets.
Abstract
Consecutive matching striation (CMS) models are examined in the paper in terms of both technical substance and results interpretation. Practical and theoretical considerations associated with the use of CMS models are discussed, with particular emphasis on the perspective of Bayesian logic. The author concludes that CMS models have drawbacks as an objective-criteria regime but that research and logical analysis on such a regime should continue. 11 references, 2 tables, and 2 figures