Forensics - Critical Thinking Assignment-

1. For each of the following impressions, determine which characteristics are class characteristics and which are individualizing characteristics.

a. Screwdriver pry mark: 0.5 inch wide, filings of stainless steel imbedded in mark, rounded edges, center half-circle groove, 3 wide striations near one edge, 7 narrow striations near one edge

Class Characteristics:

Individualizing characteristics:

b. Two-dimensional footwear impression: Nike brand, 11 inches long, wear pattern on back outside edge, 4 inches wide at arch, gouge at back heel, "Nike Air" imprinted on arch

Class Characteristics:

Individualizing characteristics:

c. Recovered bullet: .22 caliber, deep striation in one land, left-handed twist, 13 fine striations in one groove, 5 grooves around periphery, 79% lead composition

Class Characteristics:

Individualizing characteristics:

2. From each of the following descriptions of bullet holes, estimate the distance from the shooter to the target.

a. A few widely scattered gunpowder particles with no soot around the entrance hole

Estimated distance between shooter and target: ____________________

b. A dark ring around the bullet hole but no soot or gunpowder particles

Estimated distance between shooter and target: ____________________

c. A halo of soot surrounding the entrance hole along with scattered specks of powder grains

Estimated distance between shooter and target: ____________________

d. Scorch marks and melted fibers surrounding the entrance hole

e. Estimated distance between shooter and target: ____________________