Forensic Ballistics and Firearm Identification and Investigation are the disciplines of forensics that deal with the motion of the projectile and the path it covers after being fired. Firearm identification and investigation is a specialty of forensic science focusing on the examination of firearms and related subjects; whereas ballistics is a branch of applied physics that deals with the motion of projectiles.
This area of study examines the path of a bullet from when it leaves the firearm up until it strikes the target. During investigations in which the use of firearms is suspected, a number of objects may be collected for examination and analysis, including firearms, cartridge cases, bullets, live ammunition, trace materials, and any material damaged by a projectile. The application of technology and laboratory analysis is applied in the process of examination of firearms evidence. At the outset, the examiner must be able to express the finding to any court of law.