Identification of Forensic Ballistic Test Patterns in Shooting Cases: A Study of Indonesian Court Decisions
Forensic ballistic testing plays a vital role in establishing connections between firearms and suspects in criminal investigations. Recognizing the significance of ballistic analysis as a form of scientific evidence within the criminal justice framework, this study seeks to explore the patterns of forensic ballistic identification in shooting incidents adjudicated by Indonesian courts. Employing qualitative methods, the researcher scrutinized eight pertinent court rulings, uncovering notable inconsistencies in the application of various ballistic testing methods across these cases. This disparity raises critical questions regarding the consistency of forensic practices within Indonesia's legal system. The analysis revealed that microscopic comparison tests of bullets and cartridge cases, along with test firing and gunshot residue (GSR) analysis, were the predominant techniques utilized. Conversely, methods such as trajectory and angle analysis, as well as the chemical composition analysis of bullets, were only employed in select instances. Factors such as the complexity of individual cases and the availability of physical evidence were identified as influencing this variability. The findings underscore the absence of a standardized protocol for forensic ballistic testing in Indonesia, emphasizing the urgent need for uniform procedural guidelines to enhance the reliability of evidence in criminal cases involving firearms.