5. Expert Witness

Report # 56987 

Report Completed by: T. Cos 

Attention: MHF4U Student 

In accordance with your instructions we have completed a ballistic report at the Ballistics Lab with regards to the incident at 360 Trigonometric Apartments on the date of June 21. Testing was conducted in accordance to HP607 standards using caliber 9x19mm rifle using a .308mm bullet which is consistent with what was found on the crime scene. Table I presents a summary of the results:

Based on the evidence in Table 1, the test sample confirms that the victim was shot in the chest, with an entry angle of    radians. This report is based on the testing conducted at the Ballistics Lab with the information provided from the crime scene. The test sample is being discarded. 

Question 1

Calculations

As an Expert Mathematics Witness, you have been presented with a Ballistics Report, and a Police Report as your evidence. Use the information provided within these files (above) to prove who, out of the three suspects, is guilty of the crime.

Using the evidence provided, complete all calculations necessary to conclude which window the shooter fired from. E-mail these calculations to your teacher and wait for feedback. Then make any necessary corrections before moving on to Part 2.

Question 1 options:

Hint: Complete the diagram with the given information found in the Police and Ballistics Reports. Then express the height that the bullet is fired from in terms of the bullet's angle of entry and the angle W. Use this as a starting point to determine which window the gun was fired from.

Question 2 

Presentation

Submit one of the following to present your results.

● Written report with supporting diagrams

● Video presentation (maximum 10 minutes)

● PowerPoint presentation (at most 15 slides)

In your report or presentation you must:

Question 2 options:

1) State your name and date for the court.

2) State your expert qualifications.

3) In your expert opinion, which window did the suspect commit the crime from?

4)  Can you justify and explain your findings mathematically for the jury?

(Keep in mind that the jury likely has some members who have very limited knowledge/understanding of trigonometry).

5)  What is your concluding statement for the court?