Gunshot residue analysis and its evidential values: a review

Gunshot residue analysis has revealed vital trace evidence consequent to the criminal use of firearms. In forensic investigations, gunshot residue examination is sought for solving a wide range of issues from identification of a shooter to relating a bullet with the wound in reconstructing crime involving firearm. Thus, a review of analytical techniques that had been found useful for such context-oriented analysis is considered relevant. Besides the methods in forensic gunshot residue analysis, this review highlights the evidential values of organic and inorganic gunshot residues analysis that can relate a person, the place and the time with the firearm involved.