The Problem of Subclass Features in Forensic Firearms Identification
https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2020-1-109-117
Abstract
The Russian school of forensic firearms investigation traditionally recognizes common and individual features of traces on bullets and cartridge cases. The first are characteristics inherent in all weapons of the same model and describing their details in general: shape, size, location, relative position. The second type are individual characteristics, which are unique and present only in one firearm. The individual features are used for forensic identification, while the common can be used only for the identification of a firearm’s type and model. The Western (West Europe and the USA) methodology of forensic ballistic identification recognizes the third type of traits – subclass characteristics. These marks are the result of manufacturing processes and can be present in a group of sequentially produced parts. Conventionally they can be placed between class and individual characteristics. One of the problems in contemporary firearms identification is the wrong recognition of subclass marks as individual marks and, as a result, giving false-positive conclusions of identification. The article discusses the problem of subclass features, gives examples, presents a review of the literature. The influence of various technological processes on the possibility of showing up of these marks is described.
About the Authors
Р. Giverts
Israel National Police H.Q.
Israel
Israel
Giverts Pavel – Firearms Examiner in Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police, distinguished member of Association of Firearms and Toolmarks Examiners (AFTE), associated member of Firearms/GSR working group of European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI)
Jerusalem 91906
A. V. Kokin
The Russian Federal Centre of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation;
Kikot Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Kokin Andrey Vasil’evich – Doctor of Law, Master Forensic Examiner at the Laboratory of Toolmarks and Ballistics Examinations of the Russian Federal Centre of Forensic Science of the Russian Ministry of Justice, Professor of Department of Forensic Activities at Educational and Scientific Forensic Complex of Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation
Moscow 109028,
Moscow 117437
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Review
For citations:
Giverts Р., Kokin A.V. The Problem of Subclass Features in Forensic Firearms Identification. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2020;15(1):109-117. https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2020-1-109-117
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