What’s the difference between a .38 and a .380

Part A

1. What’s the difference between a .38 and a .380?

2. What types of things do you need to think about when performing a muzzle to target distance determination? (Don't just define a muzzle to target determination: discuss what items you must think about as you perform this type of examination)

3. What are some reasons a tool would be reported out as inconsistent with a toolmark that tool did actually make?

4. If you develop a serial number, and you realize that you do not have all the numbers/letters, will that partial serial number be of any use?

Part B

What is the value of a "match" in firearm or toolmark examination? How is this conveyed to the courts? Do you see the problems firearm examiners are faced with today when offering their expert opinion in court? Why has this seemingly appeared overnight as a problem in the criminal justice system when for year’s bullet and cartridge markings matching to weapons was mainstay testimony?

PART C

This is a logic exercise! Yes, logic. Logic is important in forensic investigations. Have fun!

This exercise challenges students to critically analyze evidence and emphasizes the importance of thorough observation and note taking at the crime scene.

THE FACTS OF THE CASE

Centerville police discovered the bodies of a 36-year-old white male (later identified as Gaven Brooks) in a field about 20 miles north of town. Mr. Brooks’s body was discovered at 7:30 P.M. on Friday, October 11. He was found lying face up on a yellow, queen-size sheet. According to autopsy reports, one fatal gunshot to the back of the head ended Mr. Brooks’s life. Scientists estimate that death occurred at about 4:20 P.M. As investigators scanned the crime scene, they made the following notes:

· Paper plates filled with partially eaten fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, and chocolate cake were located near Mr. Brooks’s body.

· An open bottle of red wine and two partially filled glasses of wine were found next to the yellow sheet.

· A recently smoked cigarette butt was found near the sheet.

· Shoeprints from the road to the field were those of a male, size 10, and a female, size 5. The only shoeprints from the field back to the road were those of a female, size 5.

· Car tracks of the same wheel base and tread pattern as Mr. Brooks’s automobile were found at the road. The car was not found at the scene.

· Mr. Brooks’s car was found abandoned in an empty parking lot in downtown Centerville.

Investigators believe that a female friend of Mr. Brooks was responsible for his demise. After questioning family and friends, it was discovered that the deceased had frequent social outings with six women who live in or near Centerville. The women’s names are Rita, Lauren, Gail, Janice, Elaine, and Peggy. Investigators gathered the following information about the six women:

· Janice works full time as a caterer.

· Elaine and Gail are schoolteachers.

· Rita’s babysitter says Rita arrived home in her own car at about 5 P.M.

· Peggy and Elaine live together in a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Centerville.

· Gail lives in a nearby town called Jordan.

· Elaine and Janice are very petite women—they wear size 4 blue jeans.

· Gail and Peggy are smokers.

· Rita’s father owns a gun shop.

· Elaine attends a 5 P.M. step aerobics class in downtown Centerville every Friday afternoon and has not missed a class in two years.

· Peggy is deathly allergic to grapes.

· Lauren works at a chemical supply house.

· Rita lives in a country house about 30 miles west of Centerville.

· Gail is a vegan (does not eat any animal products).

· Rita is a florist.

· Janice doesn’t know how to drive.

· Elaine and Gail hate the color yellow.

· Lauren played center for a semiprofessional basketball team five years ago. She has red hair and is six feet, one inch tall.