FORENSIC
BALLISTICS
In the field of forensic science, forensic ballistics is the science of analyzing firearm usage in crimes. It involves analysis of bullets and bullet impacts to determine the type and caliber of the firearm fired. A compendium of common firearms is listed below:
# | A | B | C | D - G | HK - L | H - HK | M | N - Si | Sk - V | W - Z
Rifling, which first made an appearance in the 18th century, is the process of making grooves in gun barrels for increased accuracy and range. Bullets fired from rifled weapons acquire a distinct signature of grooves, scratches, and indentations which are somewhat unique to the weapon used.
The first firearms evidence identification can be traced back to England in 1835 when the unique markings on a bullet taken from a victim were matched with a bullet mold belonging to the suspect. When confronted with the damning evidence, the suspect confessed to the crime.
EDUCATION
IN FORENSICS
Forensic science (often shortened to forensics) is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to the legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or to a civil action. The use of the term "forensics" in place of "forensic science" could be considered incorrect; the term "forensic" is effectively a synonym for "legal" or "related to courts". However, it is now so closely associated with the scientific field that many dictionaries include the meaning given here.
Many universities offer programs in forensic science. We've compiled a list of universities and specific programs below:
Universities:
As - Be | A - Ar | Bi - By | Ch - Cl | Co - Cy | C - Ce | D - Eb | Ec - Fl | Fo - GyH | I - Je | Ji - K | L | Mi - Mu | M - Me | No - Nu | N - Ni | O - Pl | Po - Rh
Ri - Sam | San - Sn | So - Sr | St - Sz | Tr - U | T - To | U | V - Wa | We - Z
Criminalistics is the application of various sciences to answer questions relating to examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence (such as fingerprints, shoeprints, and tire tracks), controlled substances, firearms, and other evidence in criminal investigations.
Forensic pathology is the study of the human body to determine cause and manner of death.
Forensic odontology is the study of the uniqueness of dentition.
Forensic toxicology is the study of the effect of drugs and poisons on the human body.
Forensic engineering studies the causes of failure of devices and structures.
Forensic psychology and forensic psychiatry deal with the legal aspects of human behavior.
Forensic anthropology is the application of physical anthropology in a legal setting, usually for the recovery and identification of skeltonized human remains.
Forensic entomology deals with the examination of insects in, on, and around human remains to assist in determination of time or location of death.
