- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
1991-1994
Home > History > 1991-1994
1991
BulletProof™, a computer system designed to aid in bullet identification, was developed by Forensic Technology, Inc. (FTI) and was later adopted for use by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
1993
The Daubert ruling, issued by the United States Supreme Court, expanded the Frye test (general acceptance) and established a new legal standard for scientific testimony in Federal Courts. Daubert required trial judges to be the gatekeepers for expert evidence and testimony.
Daubert set forth criteria (not all-inclusive) upon which scientific testimony must be evaluated before it can be admitted:
- Reproducibility of scientific principal
- Known or potential error rate
- Existence and maintenance of operating standards
- Peer review and publication
- General acceptance in a particular scientific community
As a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling, some states adopted the Daubert standard; some states adhered to the Frye test; and other states determined their own criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence.
1994
A study titled Benchmark Evaluation Studies of the Bulletproof and Drugfire Ballistic Imaging Systems was released by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Washington, D.C. The study consisted of a technical evaluation by a variety of individuals, including members of AFTE; it included recommendations for various actions as outlined by the contractor performing the study for ONDCP.
