NCJ Number
166724
Journal
Advocate Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1996) Pages: 67-69
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The large number of cases nationally and in Kentucky involving firearms and relatively recent admissibility testimony from firearms experts in criminal trials make it crucial for defense attorneys to understand the patterns and injuries produced by firearms.
Abstract
Central issues are how the wound size or pattern relates to the range, direction of fire, type of bullet, and matter of death and whether the manner of death could be other than homicide. Other issues are whether the range of the shooting can be estimated from the characteristics of the gunshot wound; whether the relative positions of the assailant and the victim can be determined from the pattern and path of the gunshot wound; and which of several wounds was inflicted first. Class characteristics and individual characteristics are used to identify firearms. The identification process is partly subjective. Areas besides firearms that require evaluation by experts include the range and direction of fire, entrance and exit wounds, examination of clothing and firearm residues, and interpretation of firearm wounds. Eight myths surround the issue of firearm wounds. The potential for error and differences of opinion makes it desirable to ask for funds for a defense expert on these issues, and Kentucky and Federal case law supports the use of firearms experts by the defense.