Distance Determination Essay

The term distance determination corresponds with Forensic Gunshot Residue Distance Determination Testing. Distance determination is the process of determining the distance a firearm was shot from its intended target. The determination process requires the firearm to be test fired from various distances to compare gunshot residue (GSR) patterns made during the test and compared to the ones made on the target. Often times the request for distance determination occurs resulting in the death from a shooting.
When a firearm is fired the firearm ammunitions propellant (gun powder) propels the projectile or projectiles forward down the barrel of the firearm. The expanding gas from the firearm ammunition propellant causes these gases to exit the barrel with the projectile. In all cases there is residue of partially burned and unburned gunpowder expelled after shot. If the firearm is shot close enough to the target the residue of partially burned and unburned gunpowder deposits on to the target in a cone shaped pattern. The size of the cone
It is critical in an investigation involving gunshot wounds to determine the distance between the weapon that was fired and the victim. Often times these investigations involve one of the parties involved claiming self-defense as their reason for shooting. Thus by analyzing the distance between the suspect’s firearm and the victim, it can either prove or disprove the self-defense claim. The examination of a victim who had committed suicide, often times these wounds are at relatively close range or contact gunshot wounds. In distance determination the absence of certain key pieces of evidence may suggest that a close range wound or contact wound from the firearm may indicate that death was not a result of being