Firearm and Toolmark Identification: The Scientific Reliability of the Forensic Science Discipline

By Ronald Nichols

Firearm and Toolmark Identification examines the scientific reliability of the firearm and toolmark identification discipline as it is applied in many forensic laboratories.This book is different than published historical and contemporary works in that it focuses less on the what and how of what examiners do in the normal course of their day, and instead on the scientific reliability of making common source determinations. In doing so, the author addresses two foundational questions necessary to assess the reliability of conclusions reached by firearm and toolmark examiners: 1) Do different tools produce different tool marks? and 2) Can a trained examiner reliably distinguish among them? Firearm and Toolmark Identification brings together historical and recent studies addressing each question, serving as a comprehensive, well-referenced resource showing that common source conclusions reached by firearm and toolmark examiners are scientifically reliable. Intended primarily for firearm and tool mark examiners, Firearm and Toolmark Identification serves as a primary requirement for the training of firearm and toolmark examiners and a valuable resource for trained examiners. It also outlines an approach for evaluating the scientific foundations of comparative pattern analysis such that other forensic science disciplines relying on pattern matching for making common source determinations would also find utility in this work. Finally, it is a valuable resource for attorneys who are seeking to better understand the scientific reliability of conclusions reached by firearm and toolmark examiners. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0128132507
• ISBN13: 9780128132500
• Release Date: July 2018
• Publisher: Academic Press
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.1"