Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Emedinews:Insights on Medicoleagl Issues:Medical examination of a person accused of firing a firearm


Medicolegal Update

(Dr Sudhir Gupta, Additional Prof, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, AIIMS)

A doctor may be required to examine a person suspected of shooting by the doctor. The concerned investigating agency takes measure of this medical examination as many corroborative scientific evidences may be collected in medical examination.
  • Any scuffle injuries, intoxication will be revealed in medical examination
  • The firearm discharge residues on the hands and face may be present for some time. But, they may remain on clothing for several days, which may be clinching evidence.
  • If a revolver is fired, the escaping powder pressure between the cylinder and barrel may be expected to fall upon the hands that grasp the weapon and pull the trigger. This material, which may deposit upon the hand, consists of: powder particles in various stages of decomposition; bits of bullet material, if the cylinder and bore are not correctly aligned; ignition products of the primer; combustion products of propellant, primer, and cartridge case.

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