Maryland's Highest Court Restricts Testimony Linking Guns to Bullets in Landmark Decision

Maryland's highest court has ruled that firearms experts are no longer allowed to testify that a specific gun fired a specific bullet. The decision imposes limits on the practice of firearm "tool mark" analysis, which suggests that unique marks are left on ammunition by the components of guns. Previously, firearms examiners could testify if they believed a recovered gun fired bullets or casings found at a crime scene. However, the court found the scientific methodology unreliable, allowing examiners only to testify about patterns and markings consistent or inconsistent with bullets fired from a known firearm. The ruling responds to a murder case appeal, making it binding on lower courts. Experts consider it one of the first appellate court decisions recognizing shortcomings in this forensic practice. The ruling challenges previous convictions based on unreliable conclusions and is seen as a step in the right direction by advocates for more reliable forensic methods.

Story can be read at https://www.police1.com/legal/articles/md-supreme-court-imposes-limits-o...