Comparing Bullets, Essay Example

A firearms examiner processes the bullets that have been presented to them in order to come up with an identification of the firearm and bullet. A firearm examiner makes use of a comparison microscope to compare the bullets. It places the bullets side by side so as to determine whether there are similarities in the markings. Also, he compares bullets to the cartridge cases that have been recovered from a crime scene. By pitting them side by side, he can determine whether they match. Also, he determines the caliber of the bullet and compares it, using the microscope, to samples that have been test fired to see if the striation of the recovered bullet matches the one that has been test fired (IndyGov).

There are characteristics that a firearms examiner looks for to make this determination and they include the unique striation of each bullet. They are formed by the bullet getting marks from the interior of a firearms’ barrel. They are like a fingerprint because they are not the same. Also, he looks at the caliber which narrows down the search for the firearm. Another characteristic that is examined are the breech markings which are the marks that are on the cartridge cases that can in turn be matched to the firearm chamber and breech (IndyGov).

The defenses that can be used by to challenge the firearm expert opinion include the tool mark identification method being considered subjective. Also, the evidence testing can be challenged as not having a scientific base which is the general criteria for accepting evidence testing. Also, the methods used can be challenged as being older compared to newer methods which offer more certainty.

Work Cited

IndyGov 2011. Forensic Services: Firearms examiner. n.d. 10 Jun 2011 <http://www.indy.gov/eGov/County/FSA/Disciplines/Pages/firearms_examiner.aspx>