Firearms evidence via criminalistics

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are consistently the same in each text or part thereof. In spite of may technological advances and a number of determined attempts to change such features as the keyboard layout of the typewriter - using such phrases as ‘speed ‘, ‘efficiency’ etc., the now familiar ‘QWERTY’ layout remains as a standard feature after many years. It is the primary object of this paper to discuss this contrast of ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’ factors, in relation to their respective and collective influence, upon modern casework practice in the examination of typewriting in forensic enquiries. Berg; S., G. Bode, G. Garbe and U. Sillius (Gottingen;German Republic) THE

SIGNIFICANCE

OF

FOR

THE

DETERMINATION

FORENSIC

SOME

EXOGENOUS

AND OF

AGE

ENDOGENOUS OF

Federal FACTORS

WOUNDS

Enzyme activations, as well as morphological wound reactions, are influenced, to a varying degree, by exogenous and endogenous factors. In addition, the reaction of various species is different. A communication is given about results of animal experiments and practical experiences on the influence of blood loss, coldness and alcohol intake. In animal experiments it is important to consider differences in activity of adjacent skin areas due to the regeneration cycle of the hair. In human skin it was observed that the cellular reaction in the subcutis began relatively early in relation to the enzyme activation of the dermis. Berg, S. 0. (Minneapolis, FIREARMS

EVIDENCE

Minn., U.S.A.)

VIA

CRIMINALISTICS

This paper and slide presentation reviews briefly the present day use of video tape presentations in the court-room in America. The use of video tape to present the sworn testimony of an expert witness. The Author reviews a recent case of his own where he appeared as a firearms expert witness for the State on video tape. The occasion arose when the District Court Judge in Duluth, Minn., ordered his testimony taken on video tape in view of his pending absence from the country during the time of actual trial. The case involved the shotgun slaying of defendant’s girlfriend. The paper summarizes the facts of the case as well as the exhibits used in the video taping and the later trial. The video taping equipment and techniques are also reviewed. This case represents the first use of video tape to present the sworn testimony of an expert witness in the State of Minnesota. It is also one of the earliest cases in the United States where such video tape testimony has been presented other than by stipulation of the parties. The trial resulted in the conviction of the defendant. Berger, E. (Basle, Switzerland) RECENT FOR

EXAMPLES THE

ADMINISTRATION

OF

INCORRECT OF

OR

CONTROVERSIAL

ASSESSMENT

JUSTICE

After referring to previously reported misjudgements by controversial or incorrect assessments, some recent examples are related. The reasons for the occurrence of incorrect assessments and misjudgements caused by the same are illustrated by means of some paradigmata. It is not always the faulty expert who is to blame. The court of justice is not