NCJ Number
77451
Date Published
1976
Length
322 pages
Annotation
This book, written by the head of a forensic science laboratory in India, emcompasses the entire field of forensic ballistics, from the elementary principles to the latest developments.
Abstract
Intended to help police officers, lawyers, and judges, the book is written in simple, nontechnical language. Following an introductory discussion on the basic principles of firearm identification and the major problems in firearm evidence and proof, a chapter on firearms describes shotguns, rifles, revolvers, pistols, and other weapons. Other chapters focus on ammunition, including powders, projectiles, primers, shells, wads, lubricants, and fixed ammunition, and elementary ballistics, including energy, heat, and pressure aspects, recoil, vibration, barrel fouling, exterior ballistics, ricochets, and shotgun ballistics. A review of evidentiary clues discusses the scene of the occurrence, the victim, and the culprit, and evidence collection. One chapter is devoted to the identification of firearms that have fired incriminating projectiles, and another is concerned with the evaluation of firearm injuries. Reconstructions of shooting incidents and court presentations are also detailed. A final chapter reviews Indian case law as it relates to shooting incidents. India's firearms laws are appended. Data tables, charts, illustrations, photographs, chapter reference notes, a glossary, and an index are included.