New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

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What does ballistics refer to?

The study of the effects of crime on victims
The examination of bullets to identify their weapon of origin
The analysis of fingerprint evidence
The science of making firearms

The correct answer is: The examination of bullets to identify their weapon of origin

Ballistics refers specifically to the examination of bullets and the study of their motion, behavior, and effects, particularly in a forensic context. This field involves analyzing bullets recovered from a crime scene or ballistic evidence to determine important details such as the type of firearm used, the distance from which the bullet was fired, and the trajectory of the bullet. By identifying characteristics unique to specific firearms, ballistics experts can match bullets to weapons, providing valuable evidence in criminal investigations. This understanding distinguishes ballistics from other fields related to criminology and forensic science, such as crime victim studies, fingerprint analysis, and firearms manufacturing. Each of those alternatives focuses on different aspects of forensic investigation, rather than the analysis of bullets and the firearms from which they originate.