Forensic firearms in criminal trials : legal, investigative and scientific aspects / J.K. Sinha.
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...
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| Online Access: |
Full Text (via Taylor & Francis) |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Boca Raton :
CRC Press,
2024.
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| Edition: | First edition. |
| Subjects: |
| Summary: | 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 nontechnical readers in mind as well, the book provides a basic understanding of the general makeup 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. |
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| Physical Description: | 1 online resource (xvi, 130 pages) : illustrations. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN: | 9781351023849 1351023845 9781351023863 1351023861 9781351023832 1351023837 9781351023856 1351023853 |
| Source of Description, Etc. Note: | Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on June 03, 2024). |
| Biographical or Historical Data: | 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. |