Forensic Ballistics Midterm Notes

**MODULE 1: FORENSIC BALLISTICS** **BALLISTICS-** refers to the science that deals with the study of the motion of projectiles and the condition that affects their motion. **SCIENCE-** the systemized body of knowledge. **PROJECTILES-** The metallic or non-metallic objects propelled from a firearm...

**MODULE 1: FORENSIC BALLISTICS** **BALLISTICS-** refers to the science that deals with the study of the motion of projectiles and the condition that affects their motion. **SCIENCE-** the systemized body of knowledge. **PROJECTILES-** The metallic or non-metallic objects propelled from a firearm. **MOTIONS** - refers to the mobility or movement of the projectile from the time it leaves the shell empty, it leaves the gun muzzle and until it reaches its target or fall in the ground. **Three Types of Motion:** A. B. C. **BALLISTICS** - - - - - - - **BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS** - - 1. **The conditions attributed to internal ballistics are as follows:** - - - - - - - - - - 2. **The conditions attributed to external ballistics:** **Muzzle Blast** -- Is the noise created at the muzzle point of the gun. **Muzzle energy** -- Energy generated at the muzzle point measured in foot-pound force. **Trajectory** -- Refers to the parabola-like flight of the projectile from the time it leaves the muzzle until it hits the target. It is also described as the actual curve path taken by a bullet during its flight. **Range** -- It refers to the imaginary straight distance between the muzzle of the gun and the target. **Velocity** -- Refers to the rate of speed of the bullet (during its flight) per unit of time usually express is feet per second (ft/sec.) **Pull of Gravity**-It is the downward reaction of the bullet towards the earth surface due to its weight. **Air Resistance** -- Refers to the force of the air encounter by the bullet in its flight **03. Terminal Ballistics-** Is that branch of Ballistics which deals with the effects of the impact of the projectile on the target. **The conditions attributed to terminal ballistics:** A. B. C. D. **Forensic Ballistics -**The word Forensic was derived from the Latin word "**[forum]**" meaning a "[**market place**"] where people gathered for public disputation or public discussion. When used in connection with the word ballistics or other natural science, it suggests a relationship to the courts of justice or legal proceedings. **Forensic Ballistics** is defined as the study of the motion of the projectile as applied to law or simply the science of firearm identification by means of the ammunition fired through them. **Scope of Forensic Ballistics** **FIELD INVESTIGATION** - - **Technical Examination of the Ballistics Exhibit** - - **Legal Proceeding-** The most critical part in the field of firearm identification the firearm examiner goes to court to testify as an expert witness **FORENSIC BALLISTICS (MODULE 2)** **FIRE ARMS** - - - - - **HISTORY OF FIREARMS** - 1\. **Calvin H Goddard** - Father of Modern Ballistics. 3\. **Daniel B. Wesson** - An associates or partner of Smith in revolver making. 6\. **David \"Carbine\" Williams** - Maker of the first known carbine. 7\. **Alexander John Forsyth** - Father of Percussion Ignition or percussion 10\. **John Mahlon Marlin** - Founder of Marlin Firearms Company. 11\. **James Wolfe Ripley** - Stimulated the development of Model 1855 rifle - musket. 13\. **Henry Deringer** - He gave his name to a whole class of firearms. (rifles and pistols) 14\. **John C. Garand** - Designed and Invented the Semi-Automatic U.S. Rifle, Caliber.30, M1. 15\. **Oliver F. Winchester** - One of the earliest rifles and pistols maker. 16\. **Major Uziel Gal** - An Israeli army who designed UZI in 1950. 17\. **George Hyde** - A well-known expert in the field of SMG, (grease gun) developed M3A1. 19\. **Eugene Stoner** - Designed the U.S. M16 Armalite under license by Colt Company. 22\. **1913 - Professor Victor Balthazard** - Published the first article individualizing bullet markings. 24\. **1920 - R.E. Herrick** - He published an article entitled \"Ballistics Jurisprudence" **Historical Dates in Firearms** 3\. **1350** - Small Arms. Gunpowder was first used only in cannons. **CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS** - - - - - - **MODULE 3** a. b. c. a. b. c. **HOW THE BARREL IS MADE**· - - - **BREECHFACE MANUFACTURE** - - **AMMUNITIONS/CARTRIDGES** - - - - -