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Objectives

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At the conclusion of this module the student will be able to do the following:

Describe the potential evidentiary value of reproducible striations and/or impressions produced during the normal functioning of a firearm
Define the procedure for the microscopic comparison of the class and individual characteristics of firearms reflected on fired and unfired cartridge cases/shotshell cases
List the equipment and facilities necessary to microscopically compare fired and unfired cartridge cases/shotshell cases
Describe the marks that may be present on cartridges and shotshells as a result of being
- cycled through the action of a firearm,
- fired in a firearm.
Articulate how the following concepts relate to the formulation of examination conclusions of fired and unfired cartridge cases and shotshell cases:
- Class characteristics
- Individual characteristics
- Subclass characteristics
- Pattern identification
- AFTE Theory of Identification
- Sufficient agreement
- Best known nonmatch
- Consecutive matching striae (CMS)
- Impressed marks
- AFTE Range of Conclusions
Explain the differences between the following terms in regard to comparisons of fired and unfired cartridge cases and shotshell cases:
- Identification
- Inconclusive
- Elimination
- Unsuitable
Define the contents of a typical fired cartridge case/unfired cartridge comparison worksheet for documentation of examination notes
Describe the content and formats for reporting of results of comparisons of microscopic marks on fired and unfired cartridge cases/shotshell cases in terms of the AFTE Range of Conclusions
Discuss in general terms the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) in regard to preliminary remote comparisons (computer correlations) of cartridge cases/shotshell cases and case linkage in serial shooting cases

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