What is the primary purpose of ballistics in forensic science?

The primary purpose of ballistics in forensic science is to study projectiles and firearms. This area of forensic science focuses on examining the behavior and effects of projectiles, which includes bullets and other types of ammunition, as they are discharged from firearms. By analyzing the characteristics of these projectiles, forensic experts can gather valuable evidence related to criminal incidents, such as the type of weapon used, the direction and distance of fire, and sometimes even link specific projectiles to individual firearms through comparison of markings left on the bullets.

This field plays a crucial role in investigations involving gun-related crimes, helping to reconstruct shooting events and providing insights that can support criminal cases. The analysis of ballistics ultimately assists law enforcement in understanding the mechanisms of a shooting incident, drawing connections between ballistic evidence and suspects or crime scenes.