Firearm:Tests, Phenomenons and Suicide VS Homicide
DERMAL NITRATE TEST ( PARAFFIN TEST )
METHOD:
- Molten paraffin wax is brushed on the suspect’s hand
- After hardening, it is peeled off.
- The inner surface of the wax cast is then treated with diphenylamine or diphenylbenzidine reagent.
- Blue colour ’ develops wherever the powder residue is present
DRAWBACKS:
FALSE NEGATIVE RESULT
- Washed hand
- Delay in doing the test.
- Weapon is well constructed.
FALSE POSITIVE RESULT
- Hand contaminated with nitrogenous compounds – Tobacco, leguminous plants, soil, cosmetics, fertilizers etc.
OTHER TESTS
- To find out whether a suspect discharged a firearm recently, or not) are:
- The Harrison & Gilroy test
- TLC, HPLC, GC.
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Neutron activation analysis.
Kennedy Phenomenon
- Medico-legal evaluation of firearm injury made difficult by surgical suturing or alteration.
Rayalaseema Phenomenon
- Medico-legal evaluation of a firearm injury made difficult by deliberate mutilation. Eg. Cutting or stabbing through it.
SUICIDE
- More common in males
- Usually single wound
- Injury in one of the sites- temple, centre of forehead, roof of mouth, left side chest.
- Usually contact wound.
- Weapon near the body
- Scene – victim’s home
- Suicide note may be present
HOMICIDE
- Can involve either sex
- Usually multiple.
- Can be anywhere(inaccessible areas & non-vital areas
- Close or distant shot
- Weapon absent
- Scene: Anywhere
- Suicide not: Absent
Exam Important
- DERMAL NITRATE TEST ( PARAFFIN TEST ) and helps to detect gunpowder residue from suspects hand.
- The Harrison & Gilroy test can also be used
- Kennedy Phenomenon: Medico-legal evaluation of firearm injury made difficult by surgical suturing or alteration.
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