Question 1

You are a ballistics expert working for An Garda Siochana. During a recent fatal shooting incident, three shots were fired: two from one gun and one from another. However, only one bullet struck the deceased. Furthermore, this bullet passed right through the victim. All three spent cartridge cases and all three bullets were recovered at the scene, as were both of the guns. Describe in detail how you would establish which gun has fired the fatal shot.

Question 2

There are three general classes in which all fingerprints are divided – Loops, Whorls, and Arches. These classes are further sub-divided into specific classes. Identify the specific class of fingerprint which you have on your right thumb, including reasons for your opinion and a physical imprint of the thumb in support of your answer.

Question 3

Blood is always the best sample to use when identifying and quantifying the number of drugs present in a person during toxicology testing. Assess the veracity of this statement. In your answer please make reference to relevant scientific material.