Firearms

Forensic Ballistics
Firearms is a branch of forensic science that studies the motion of missiles or projectiles and the influence of that motion. U.S. House Bill stated "a comparative analysis of fired bullets and cartridge casings to identify the firearm from which the bullets or cartridge casings were discharged through the identification of the unique characteristics that each firearm imprints  on bullets and cartridge casings." Different topics include Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development. media type="youtube" key="Et33bbA0GeM" width="560" height="315"

Educational Requirements
Firearm analysts need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in forensic science. Most undergraduate degrees require knowledge in chemistry, biology or physics

= Forensic Ballistic Instruments = Comparison Microscope is the primary instrument forensic ballistic science.

[[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/ComparisonMicroscope.png width="250" height="256"]]
A comparison microscope is a device used to analyze side-by-side specimens. Law enforcement agencies have established forensic laboratories and researchers have learned much more about how to match bullets and cartridge cases to the guns used to fire them.

= How does this particular science aid the police in investigating and solving crimes? = Forensic ballistics can trace bullets back to the gun. Unlike guns, bullets are usually left at a crime scene. The scratches and striations can be analysed and traced back to a specific gun. The bullet can be used as evidence or to locate the user of the gun. They can also measure and determine where the bullet was shot using projectile motion. They could determine the the height and other physical characteristics or the shooter.

= Ballistics Technology Solves 20 Year Old Case = == In 1994 Valentina Giles Rogue was shot dead outside her apartment after confronting a  group of drug dealers. She was shot in the chest at close range and died soon after. Using new technologies they could track the bullet to the shooters gun, and link the gun to a criminal who was already sentenced to life in prison. Using this new technology they were able to solve a murder 20 years after crime happened.

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Bibliography

http://www.all-about-forensic-science.com/forensic_ballistics.html http://education-portal.com/articles/Become_a_Ballistics_Expert_Step-by-Step_Career_Guide.html fbi.gov http://forensictechnology.com/news/bid/98026/New-Ballistics-Technology-Helps-Fire-Up-20-Year-Old-Cold-Case

Book: The Forensic Entomologist By Diane Yancey