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18The role of a firearm examiner is wide ranging, involving tasks that require scientific understanding in aspects of 19 chemistry, physics and biology. This article aims to provide a critical review of the key scientific principles and 20 practices specifically involved with forensic firearm identification and to discuss how misidentifications have re-21 sulted in cases of injustice. Implementation of quality assured examination practice, demonstration of individual 22 examiner competence and more objective methods of reporting are being adopted by firearm examiners and lab-23 oratories to address some of the criticisms relating to subjectivity and standardisation inherent within the disci-24 pline. The impact of these changes is outlined and further recommendations are made for both examiners and 25 legal professionals to minimise the potential for future injustices involving firearms evidence. Latest research 26 in the field is cited, continuing to support the theory and use of firearm identification as admissible evidence 27 in court. 28

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