Time since last discharge of firearms and spent ammunition elements: state of the art and perspectives

Gallidabino, Matteo and Weyermann, Céline (2020) Time since last discharge of firearms and spent ammunition elements: state of the art and perspectives. Forensic Science International, 311. p. 110290. ISSN 0379-0738

Text Gallidabino_FSI_InPress.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Registered users only Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives 4.0. Download (887kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The estimation of the time since last discharge of firearms or spent ammunition elements (e.g., casings) may provide crucial information in the investigation of a shooting incident and, eventually, the following trial. Herein, an exhaustive review of the methods described in the literature is reported, with the aim to evaluate their potential and limitations from a forensic perspective. This work, in particular, highlighted the fact that a number of investigations have been carried out in the field during the last century (with an especially high rate in the last 30 years), but the implementation of related procedures in forensic laboratories is still rare. The situation has been discussed and a series of propositions have been forwarded, in order to overcome challenges and facilitate the implementation of dating approaches in real casework.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads