We explain the value of instructing a Forensic Pathologist, a Forensic Ballistics Expert and a Forensic Firearms Expert
But be sure they all work for the same Forensic Provider - here's why...
In very simplistic terms, the ballistics deals with a bullet’s journey outside the body and the pathology is primarily concerned with its journey and destination within the body; with significant overlaps.
In general, the causations of injuries are usually down to a forensic pathologist to review, whether the complainant is alive or deceased. However, when it comes to gunshot wounds, we would recommend a three-pronged approach to ensure all avenues are covered and to build a robust all-encompassing interpretation of the evidence.
Whilst a forensic pathologist can carry out the usual analysis, confirming the likely cause of injury, measurements of wounds, trajectory within the body (our pathologist Dr David Rouse has actually written a paper on the matter*), a scientist specialising in firearms and ballistics, such as Philip Boyce can enhance this review by providing further details about the bullet trajectory prior to impact, potential position of alleged shooter, the type of bullet and often the type of firearm etc.
A pathologist can also confirm the presence of bullet fragments, and then a firearms expert can sometimes, with careful macroscopic examinations, link the bullet fragments to a spercific firearm.
With their combined knowledge, it may also be possible to provide comments regarding whether it was a direct hit or the result of a rebound or ricochet.
Disclosure in these cases will usually consist of images of the injury, scene images, medical notes, images of any seized bullets or firearms, CCTV, firearms, streamlined forensic reports (SFRs) and of course all relevant witness statements.
At Forensic Equity, we have worked on numerous cases with the utilisation of all three areas of expertise, whether it be gang-related, military-related or even domestic.
*Rouse, D. and Dunn, L. (1992) ‘Firearm fatalities’, Forensic Science International, 56(1), pp. 59–64. doi:10.1016/0379-0738(92)90147-o.
Contributors
Forensic Pathologist Dr. David Rouse MA. MB. BCHIR. FRCPATH. DMJ (PATH). FMFFLM.
Forensic Pathologist since 1985
With over 36 years’ experience Dr David Rouse is an eminent forensic pathologist and leading authority in cases of homicide and suspicious deaths and in cases involving lesser charges such as those which require the causation of injuries to be determined. Dr Rouse was a fully accredited Home Office Pathologist for over 21 years, practicing from 1988.
In 2009 David retired from the Register but maintains his position as a senior forensic pathologist, offering opinions to both the Crown and to the Defence.
Listed on the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council, Dr Rouse’s 30 years of service have given him an unrivalled level of expertise in forensic pathology and forensic medicine.
David has given expert witness testimony across courts including Juvenile, Magistrates, Crown Courts, High Courts, Courts of Appeal and Military Court Martials.
Forensic Firearms and Ballistics expert Philip Boyce BSc. MSc.
Forensic scientist since 1984
With over 43 years’ experience Philip Boyce is a leading and highly respected forensic scientist, whose expertise in firearms, ballistics, gunshot residue (GSR) and tool marks have gained him international recognition.
Philip has examined countless evidential items and crime scenes; with his expertise often utilised at medical examinations, post-mortems and exhumations. He has provided thousands of expert witness statements for both the prosecution and defence and given expert witness testimony for many courts, both in the UK and internationally, including: Juvenile, Magistrates, Crown Courts, High Courts, Courts of Appeal and Military Court Martials.
Philip started his career in 1977 with the Territorial Army. He left at the rank of Sergeant Technician / Weapons Instructor and upon completion of his MSc in Forensic Science immediately joined the FSNI (Forensic Science Northern Ireland). In 2002 Philip moved to Forensic Alliance (now LCG Forensics) and then subsequently in 2006 set up the firearms facility at Key Forensics (KFS).
Philip joined Forensic Equity in 2010, where he excels in providing independent expert opinion, advice and training to both the prosecution and defence.
Philip’s 43 years of service, particularly those during the Northern Ireland troubles, have given him an unrivalled level of expertise in Firearms, Ballistics, Gunshot Residue and Tool Marks.
Comments