Wrongfully convicted Wilson man freed after four decades in prisonRead More
Firearms
DPS crime lab employee arrested for theft of ammunition and weapon accessories (AZ)
A Systematic Challenge to the Reliability and Admissibility of Firearms and Toolmark Identification
Article by Adina Schwartz, in The Columbia Science and Technology Law Review
Order Allowing Testing and Inspection of Firearms Evidence and to Transport Evidence to Defense Expert
Order granted in 2009, filed under seal until case was resolved.
Motion to Exclude Firearm Identification Testimony of Agents Tanner and Ware
Trial court denied the motion, but initially prohibited the State from offering testimony “that the bullets in question were fired from the same weapon” because of potential for misleading the jury. However, the testimony was allowed after the trial court found the defense opened the door to the testimony during opening statements.
Motion to Exclude Firearm Identification Testimony of Agents Tanner and WareRead More
Motion to Exclude Firearm Identification Testimony, Memorandum of Law, State’s Brief in Response to Defendant’s Motion, and Order
2011 motion in limine by Richard Ramsey. Example of how to use the National Academy of Sciences report and other professional standards in a motion to exclude or suppress forensic evidence. Transcript of motion’s hearing available upon request.
Motion to Prohibit State’s Expert from Rendering Opinion on Gun Shot Residue Testing
Motion filed by David Botchin and Mark Rabil.
Motion to Prohibit State’s Expert from Rendering Opinion on Gun Shot Residue TestingRead More
Firearms and Toolmarks Overview
Document created by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides a clear description of the analyses performed by firearms and toolmark examiners. It is presented from the perspective of a crime lab, so it does not question the reliability of any of the techniques presented, but it is a helpful document for attorneys because it explains …
NIJ Firearm Examiner Training
The National Institute of Justice has an online training that includes topics such as Bullet Comparison and Identification, Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination, and Toolmark Identification. The training provides both a general understanding of firearms/firearms evidence and gives a detailed explanation of techniques used by firearm examiners. The program is for criminal justice professionals and …
Firearms Tutorials
The University of Utah Health Sciences Library has several firearms tutorials posted which cover information about the different types of firearms and how they work, ballistics (the science of the travel or a projectile in flight), patterns of tissue injury, laboratory methods, and examination of gunshot residue. The tutorials provide basic foundational information as well as more …
Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
An international organization dedicated to the advancement of Firearm and Toolmark Identification. See the Admissibility Resource Kitfor links to opinions, transcripts, motions, briefs and articles supporting and opposing the practice of firearm identifications.
Firearms and Toolmarks Subcommittee
This Scientific Area Committee (part of the OSAC) has taken over the work previously done by the Scientific Working Group For Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN). The SAC will focus on standards and guidelines related to the examination of firearm and toolmark evidence. This includes the comparison of microscopic toolmarks on bullets, cartridge cases, and other …
Sample Cross-Examination Transcripts
Sample direct and cross-examinations of various forensic witnesses, including a firearm/toolmark expert, fingerprint expert, pathologist, DNA expert, and other forensic experts.
A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science
The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
