Criminalistics Summary
Criminalistics Summary
Criminalistics Summary
Center
FORENSIC BALLISTICS:
1. RIM – the projecting rims of rimmed and semi-rimmed cases serve the
purpose of limiting the forward travel of cartridges into their chambers and
thus also limit the clearance, if any between the head and the supporting.
2. PRIMER POCKET – performs three functions:
a.) holding primers securely in certain position;
b.) providing a means to prevent the escape of gas to the rear of the
cartridge;
c.) providing a primer support for primer anvils, without which the latter
could not be fired.
3. VENTS ORFLASH HOLES –the “vent” or “flash holes” is the hole in the web
or bottom of the primer pocket through which the primer “flash” provides
ignition to the powder charge. It is the “opening” or “canal” that connects
the priming mixture with the gunpowder.
4. THE HEAD AND BODY – the “head” and “body” constitute the “cork” that
plugs the breech of the barrel against the escape of the gas.
5. CANNELURES – shell cannelures are the serrated grooves that are
sometimes found rolled into the neck and body of cases at the location of
the cases of the bullet to prevent the bullet from being pushed back or
loosened.
6. BASE - the bottom portion of the case which holds: a)the primer which
contains the priming mixture; b) the shell head which contains the head
stamp, caliber, and year of manufacture.
7. EXTRACTING GROOVE – the circular groove near the base of the case or
shell designed for the automatic withdrawal of the case after each firing.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO CASESHAPE
1. Straight – all rimmed shell and most centerfire revolver cartridges. Ex. Cal.
38 special
2. Tapered – very rare but being used in so-called “magnum jet” Cal. .22.
3. Bottleneck – ex. 5.56mm cartridge cases
4. Belted – ex. .30 magnum
Trigger - firearm mechanism which releases the hammer to strike the firing pin.
Smooth bore firearms- these are firearms without riflings. Ex. Shotgun or
muskets.
Rifled bore firearms- firearms which the barrel has riflings or lands and grooves.
Land is the elevated portion while the grooves or canal is the depressed portion.
Pistol is a firearm fed by a magazine while .38 revolver, its cylinder serves as its
magazine.
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
Types of fingerprint patterns: radial, ulnar, central pocket loop, plain whorl,
double loop, plain arch, tented arch, accidental.
Latent prints- are hidden prints needs to be searched and developed from the
crime scene to make it visible.
Ten(10) print or rolled impression - are those printed in a fingerprint card by
rolling the inked fingers from side to side. The thumbs of both hands rolled
towards the body of the subject while the rest of the fingers rolled away from the
body of the subject. This is to attain the position of the fingers from awkward easy
position, thus preventing slippage of the fingers during the process of rolling.
Bifurcation-
Delta- It a point on the first ridge formation at or directly in front or near the center
of the divergence of the type lines.
Pattern Area- The part of the fingerprint which lies within the area surrounded by
the type lines.
Personal Identification
1. Dactyloscopy – It refers to the scientific study of fingerprints as a means of
identification.
2. Dactylography – It refers to the practical application of fingerprint-the making
of identification, comparison and classification.
3. Sir Henry Faulds – In 1897, he proposed a modified classification system which
was adopted by Scotland Yard, and which is still basis for taking fingerprints.
4. Arch – is found in about 5% of fingerprint patterns
5. Whorl – is seen as 23%-35% of fingerprint patterns
6. Loop – is seen as 65%-70% of fingerprint patterns
7. Numerical Values – are assigned to each of the ten-finger spaces, for the
purpose of obtaining the primary classification.
8. AFIS – Automated Fingerprint Identification System
9. Individuality, Permanency, Infallibility – 3 fundamental principles of
fingerprints.
10. 3rd to 4th month – Fingerprint ridges are formed during these stages of fetal
development.
PHOTOGRAPHY-
Police Photography- is an art or science that deals with the study of the principles
of photography, the preparation of photographic evidence and its application to
police work. (Aquino 1972).
1. Lens,
3. Shutter
4. Aperture
4. Viewing system
5. Film holder.
CAMERA OBSCURA - Is a box used for sketching large objects? The term means
dark chamber. The box contains a mirror set at 45-degree angle.
Bibliotics-study of writing
Scrolls-are made of animal skins where orders and edicts are written
A. QUESTIONED. Any material which some issue has been raised or which is
under scrutiny.
B. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT. One in which the facts appearing therein may
not be true, and are contested either in whole or part with respect to its
authenticity, identity, or origin.
C. DISPUTED DOCUMENT. A term suggesting that there is an argument or
controversy over the document, and strictly speaking this is true meaning.
D. STANDARD a.k.a. STANDARD DOCUMENT - Are condensed
and compact set of authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper,
should contain a cross section of the material from a known source.
E. EXEMPLAR. A term used by some document examiners and attorneys to
characterize known material. Standard is the older term.
F. HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENT. Any document completely written and signed
by one person; also known as a holograph. In a number of jurisdictions a
holographic will can be probated without anyone having witnessed its
execution.
G. REFERENCE COLLECTION. Material compiled and organized by the
document examiner to assist him in answering special questions.
Reference collections of typewriting, check writing specimens, inks, pens,
pencils, and papers are frequently maintained.
KINDS OF DOCUMENT:
EXAMINATION - It is the act of making a close and critical study of any material
and with questioned documents, it is the process necessary to discover the facts
about them. Various types are undertaken, including microscopic,
visual photographic, chemical, ultra violet and infra-red examination.
OBLITERATION - the blotting out or shearing over the writing to make the original
invisible to as an addition.
John Larson
Cardiosphygmograph- upper arm either left or right. one which records the blood
pressure and pulse rate of the subject.
Galvanograph- attached to the index and ring finger. one which records the
galvanic skin resistance of the subject in the form of minute electricity.
Kymograph- a motor that pull a chart or paper under the recording pen at the rate
of six (6) to twelve (12) inches per minute.
What is Polygraphy? It is the scientific method of detecting deception with the use
of a polygraph instrument. This is the new name of LIE DETECTION.
1. White Lie or Benign Lie - the kind of lies used to protect or maintain the
harmony of friendship or any relationship.
2. Pathological Lie - this is a lie made by persons who cannot distinguish
right from wrong.
3. Red Lie - this involves political interests and motives because this is a
part of communist propaganda strategy. This is prevalent in
communist countries or communist infested nation. Lies of means of
propaganda-brain-washing and blackmail via espionage and treason.
4. Black Lie - a lie accompanies pretensions and hypocrisies, intriguing to
cause dishonor or discredit ones good image.
Malicious or Judicial Lie - this is very pure and unjustifiable kind of lie that is
intended purely to mislead or obstruct justice