In this fascinating recent article from journalist Jonathan Levinson (NPR), he writes about the rush that’s occurring to expand ballistic “fingerprint” database systems although there are many doubts regarding the “science” of matching items in the first place.
In theory, examiners claim they can match an unknown fired bullet to a known bullet, match an unknown shell casing to a known shell casing, and match either to a specific firearm.
A link to the NPR piece is here:
The word “claim” is used deliberately, as there is a lack of scientific validation to the idea that a fired bullet can be matched to a specific firearm to the exclusion of all other firearms on the planet.
If you or a loved one has a case where the prosecution is using ballistics evidence to convict someone, that accused person needs a high-quality criminal defense lawyer with experience cross-examining ballistics experts as well as knowledge of firearms and the alleged “science” of matching bullets, shell casings, and firearms. Bill Wolf has that experience.
For more information, contact the Law Office of William Wolf.