- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
- Safety
- Worksheets and Reports
- Selected Bibliography
- Ethics
- Assessments
In the Courtroom
Home > Safety > In the Courtroom
Immediately upon receiving a firearm in court, it must be checked to ensure that it is in a safe condition by
- removing the magazine if it has been re-inserted,
- opening the action,
- checking the chamber visually and manually to ensure it is clear.
This should be performed in the clear view of the judge, jury, and others in the courtroom. When the firearm is determined to be in a safe condition for further handling during testimony, the examiner should lay it on a flat surface with the muzzle of the firearm pointing in a safe direction. At no time should unfired evidence ammunition be opened and accessible when an unsealed firearm is in the courtroom.
